Best Travel Strollers 2023

Whether you’re traveling cross-country by car or flying to another continent with a young child, there’s one thing that will make your journey that much easier: packing one of the best travel strollers. If you’re traveling with an infant, perhaps you need a travel system that includes a car seat or maybe you prefer a stroller that fits into an overhead bin so you can stroll onto the plane with it. There are a lot of options out there at the moment. After testing 15 of the best travel strollers (and considering many more contenders), I found the Joolz Aer+ to be the best travel stroller overall thanks to its extra-lightweight construction, effortless fold and top-notch quality. The Colugo Compact Stroller is the best value option, because it packs in many higher-end features at a more affordable price. The all-in-one Doona Car Seat and Stroller is the best travel system, and the Cybex Coya is the best travel stroller for infants.

The best travel strollers fold up compactly and easily, making your family's journey a bit smoother. Baby Travel System

Best Travel Strollers 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, car seat friendly or overhead-bin compliant, chances are I’ve tested it over the past many months. Three more travel strollers tested well: The Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller is the best travel stroller for airplanes, in part because of its extra-compact fold, and the Nuna TRVL is the best travel stroller most suitable for everyday use. Finally, the Babyzen YoYo2 is the best customizable travel stroller given the number of possible seat configurations and additions.

The following is a list of all the winners from my testing process:

It became abundantly clear in the testing process that while several competitors came close to matching the excellence of the Joolz Aer+, this is simply the best travel stroller on the market today. Not only is it one of the lightest travel strollers available, at 13.2 pounds, but it offers a seamless one-handed, 1-second fold—and it can stroll down airplane aisles if you desire, before being folded into the overhead bin. It’s compatible with several popular car seat manufacturers (a full list is available here), so parents can easily create a full travel system or attach the brand’s stroller bassinet to make it infant-friendly. It also felt extremely high-quality (and is made from recycled materials) when assembling and while in use, and I found it exceptionally user-friendly, as did my spouse, who has less familiarity with the mechanics of strollers.

The Joolz Aer+ bested the competition for combining all the best features of travel strollers: ... [+] lightweight, easy, compact fold, comfortable, sturdy stroll and car seat and newborn compatibility to extend its longevity.

From the first push, the Joolz Aer+ felt smooth—and better than its similarly lightweight competitors. No matter the surface I pushed it over, the steering remained intact and I could easily manage a one-handed push. It handled tight turns effortlessly and was easy to maneuver while also pulling a suitcase or while charging down the makeshift “airplane aisles” in my testing process. The one-handed, 1-second fold was so seamless that I could imagine wheeling it down an airplane aisle, setting my child down, folding it and placing it in the airplane bin overhead without aggravating fellow passengers or causing myself stress. While I wouldn’t necessarily take it on a hiking trail, this travel stroller is the ultimate option for the airport, and also useful once you get to your destination.

The Joolz Aer+ comes with all the necessary bells and whistles of today’s travel strollers, but with thoughtful additions that really solidified its place as the best. For one, when folded, the stroller stands by itself and automatically locks in place, so if you pick it up and carry it by the travel strap it truly stays folded. The UPF 50+ canopy extends about to a toddler’s trunk, and the extra-long 21.7-inch backrest and the ultra-cushioned seat make it a comfortable option for taller or older children (when used without a car seat or the bassinet, it’s recommended for babies who can sit on their own). It also comes with a rain cover, travel bag and extra-long canopy that offers ventilation when unzipped to extend. While it would be ideal to have a full-flat recline, the recline on the Joolz Aer+ is 33 degrees, making it useful for toddler naps.

The Joolz Aer+ folds up to 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches, which is compliant with almost all airline overhead bin sizes. The high-quality material, which I was delighted to learn is made from recycled plastic, is easily apparent, and I could see this faring well over time. It helps that Joolz offers a 10-year warranty. The fact that you can purchase a bassinet attachment to make it newborn-ready makes it seem like an option that can grow both with your child and your family. The undercarriage basket may be a bit too compact for some families to use on a regular basis, but all things considered, the Aer+ seems appropriate for everyday use as well as for travel. (Read my full review of the Joolz Aer+ here.)

The Colugo Compact Stroller is, as the name suggests, compact and folds down to a comfortable-to-carry 24 x 17 x 10 inches. It fits in most overhead bins and is narrow enough to fit on 17- to 19-inch airplane aisles, yet remains sturdy with smooth strolling once you hit the pavement at your destination. It performed exceptionally well when tested, folded with one hand in 1.5 seconds with no practice necessary and unfolded in 2 seconds with a slight lag due to needing to give it a little shake to snap into place when in the full upright position. The padded carry strap sat nicely on my shoulder, but the stroller also comes with a useful carrying backpack if you’d prefer to gate-check it. It required zero assembly upon arrival and also included a nice rain cover package and cup holder. Many other options require you to purchase these items separately, so that was a nice surprise.

The Colugo stroller surprised me with its extra easy-to-use features, extreme comfort for toddlers ... [+] and ability to fit right onto airplanes.

Another strong point of the Colugo Compact is that it offers a long seat, footrest and (parents of on-the-go nappers, rejoice) a near-flat recline, all of which makes this an exceptionally comfortable ride, especially for older babies and toddlers. The recline system is admittedly unique, and it takes a couple of steps to engage the full recline. But there’s a fabric cover on the back of the stroller that can be rolled down to expose mesh sides, which creates a ventilated nap area. Comfort is key with this option, as it provides an extra-padded harness with magnetic closure and a seat made from memory foam that can be removed and machine-washed. It’s also JPMA-certified, which is always an added layer of comfort to me as a parent.

Two downsides are that the undercarriage basket is a bit narrow (but still quite deep), and the stroller is not compatible with any car seats or travel systems, so it can only be used from 6 months of age but then up to 55 pounds, which is around 4 to 6-years-old, depending on your child. Furthermore, the UPF 50+ waterproof canopy doesn’t extend as low as some other budget-friendly options, like the Zoe Traveler, which I also tested, and it requires a two-handed adjustment. As a whole, however, the Colugo Compact is a more affordable, high-quality travel stroller option that can be used on the road or around your neighborhood. (Read my in-depth review of the Colugo stroller here.)

The Doona Car Seat and Stroller is unique in that it offers both in one streamlined package, no adapters necessary. The car seat’s stroller wheels are tucked into the car seat when not in use. It has racked up fans ever since its release nearly a decade ago. The Doona car seat offers extra convenience for those tired of lugging their infant car seat on their arm, or having to pack both the car seat and a stroller on a trip. It’s just as useful when you’re hopping on a plane as it is navigating public transportation or visiting the pediatrician with a newborn.

Made with high-quality materials, the Doona feels sturdy and well-made enough to last for multiple children. It’s FAA aircraft-approved (with the latch base), requires zero setup and features an adjustable handlebar, which is a plus for tall parents like myself. Since infants are prone to messes, the fabric is removable and machine-washable. It performed well in the testing process, boasting a smooth ride over multiple terrains.

The Doona’s main downside is that it has lower weight and height maximums than most other travel strollers on the market. Instead, its maximums match that of a more traditional infant car seat, topping out at 35 pounds and 32 inches in height. This means while wildly convenient in the first year of a baby’s life, it won’t fit them beyond whichever milestone they reach first, which may be under a year old for some children. Even if some tots are technically just below those maximums, it’s unlikely to be a comfortable ride, because this seat isn’t designed for their larger bodies.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler or envision lots of quick car trips and errands where you’d rather not have to pack and unfold a stroller from the trunk in the first year, this splurge may be worth it for some parents.

Other downsides include a lack of undercarriage storage and a more complex and slower fold than the competition: 8 seconds to fold and 12 to unfold. The car seat installation process was simple and streamlined.

The Nuna TRVL offers a luxe strolling experience thanks to its front- and rear-wheel suspension technology; high-caliber materials; unique 1-second, one-handed fold; and simple click-in car seat compatibility (no adapter necessary). The multi-position recline provides comfortable positioning for younger and older children, as does the calf support, adjustable leg rest and padded seats. It isn’t going to fit into every overhead bin. I found it 1 to 2 inches larger than what’s officially allowed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) but also in terms of my own testing. It may squeeze into some roomier overhead bins, but I believe it would be better as a travel stroller to be gate-checked and used upon arriving at your destination, because it does so well on all sorts of terrain and is sturdy enough to survive baggage check.

Another Forbes Vetted writer tested this stroller on a flight from Ohio to British Columbia, along with her baby and three other children, and was simply wowed by the self-folding, lightweight feel and the smooth ride once they hit their destination. “At just under 14 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers I’ve owned, and easily transferable in and out of my minivan, which is always filled with sports equipment, groceries and pool toys competing for space,” Alex Frost wrote in her review. “...The wheels and ride are smooth. We easily navigated off-road bumpy gravel paths along our lakeside destination in Canada. While I wouldn’t take this stroller on a trail run…it navigated less-than-ideal terrain as well as can be expected given the wheel size.”

I felt the canopy could be longer, but it does provide UPF 50+ coverage, and the spacious undercarriage basket is more than sufficient, especially for quick errands or trips. The seat fabric isn’t removable and requires spot-cleaning, which isn’t ideal but didn’t prove to be an issue with my 3-year-old.

As a whole, the Nuna TRVL is lightweight, easy to maneuver and boasts a great turn radius that makes navigating crowds manageable, whether you’re at the airport, a tourist attraction or the park.

The beautifully crafted Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller provides little ones with their own luxurious ride—and parents with an option to use it from birth, even without a car seat or bassinet attachment. It offers a near-flat full recline, making it safe for newborns but also providing optimal napping conditions for older babies and toddlers. Yet it also accommodates an array of popular car seats. It’s approved for airplane use and features little extras that make a difference when traveling with kids, like a magnetic safety harness.

The Silver Cross Jet 3 easily folds in 4 seconds with one hand, but it does take a second hand to click it into place. It unfolds in 3 seconds, with a smidge of delay, because it often needs a second hand to click into the fully upright position. Regardless, the stroller folds into a narrow package that can be rolled while in a standing upright fold—just like a roller bag. It stores well in overhead bins and can be rolled down some (19-inch) airplane aisles. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the finely crafted UPF 50+ sun cover and adjustable kiddie calf support.

While the ride could be smoother and get over bumps more easily and the undercarriage basket could be larger, the Silver Cross Jet 3 offers a practical, easy-to-tote package with long-term potential.

There’s a reason why the Babyzen YoYo2 seems ubiquitous while traveling. With its super-lightweight 13.7-pound construction and compact fold that fits down airplane aisles and in overhead bins, it’s a fantastic choice for air travel or quick outings when you don’t want to be weighed down by a full-size stroller. It’s also car seat compatible with a number of brands.

Two staffers at Forbes Vetted own the YoYo2 and have raved about its lightweight feel and compact size. Home and shopping editor Sholeen Damarwala took it on a recent international flight with her 7-month-old and said: “When it comes to traveling, I love just how lightweight and easy to use this stroller is, and I would gladly recommend it to friends.” She noted that it “collapses quickly” and the “strap is handy, so you can lug it over your shoulder.” It also fit into most car trunks and overhead bins during her travels. She did find the safety harness hard to adjust and found it wouldn’t get tight enough on her little one, nor did it allow him to sit up high enough.

Lisa Serapiglia, vice president of business operations at Forbes and mom to two little ones, said she “loves how light, compact and easy to use it is.” Her family used it in the airport, which is where it truly shines, and on shorter day trips. “I think for long walks, you definitely feel the bumps in the road more,” she added, and “the basket on the bottom is really small.”

I found the fold and recline to be less seamless than other options during testing, but the YoYo2 stood out with its many customization options, including among its seat configurations, colors and accessories. Add on a newborn bassinet to make it safe for an infant, or a rider board for siblings. You can attach two YoYo2 strollers together to create a double stroller or a twin-ready double bassinet stroller with the YoYo Connect Frame. There’s a parasol for added sun protection, a foot muff and even an optional ski attachment for the front wheel. The colors can easily be swapped out thanks to the detachable canopy and seat cushion, and there’s a footrest to be added for older children.

Given all these options, the YoYo2 also makes a great long-term stroller option for families that can be passed down to siblings and also used from birth to nearly 50 pounds.

If you’re on the hunt for a travel stroller that offers performance that’s equivalent to an S-Class Mercedes-Benz regardless of the terrain, the newly introduced Cybex Coya is for you. This beautifully crafted travel stroller offers a nimble turning radius and comfortable one-handed push, plus it fits in overhead bins and airplane aisles and reclines flat, making it suitable for newborn use up to 55 pounds. Needless to say, any stroller that works from day one until age 5 or beyond is a major boon to parents.

The Coya’s recline contraption requires only a single hand and a second to raise it, both of which can be done while a child is in the stroller. Unfolding the stroller takes a mere second, and while the fold requires approximately 5 seconds and sometimes needs a second hand to click into place, it’s a relatively seamless process.

The Coya also features a comfortable carry strap, a diaper bag–friendly undercarriage basket, a far–extending canopy and a removable, washable seat covering. While there are more lightweight options, this travel stroller is sturdy and a fantastic long-term option for any family.

I extensively tested 15 highly rated travel strollers to determine the best of the best.

I tested eight other travel strollers that didn’t make the cut.

Uppababy Minu V2: A favorite of two experts that I interviewed and featured on many other best travel stroller lists that I researched, the Uppababy Minu V2 is a strong travel option with everyday-use potential, but it simply was not as good as the rest. The downfalls are that it’s on the heavier side at 16.9 pounds and not going to fit onto smaller airplanes. The performance and quality were not on par with other options in the same price range ($450). The fold also gave me some trouble periodically.

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller: The selling point of the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller is that it’s incredibly lightweight (just 9.5 pounds) and sells for around $40 to $50. The downside is that the quality is on par with the price and weight. It also doesn’t have a recline option or car seat compatibility, and it is not airplane compliant. Without these added features, you could also just buy any umbrella stroller for travel and likely be just as satisfied.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2: The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a durable, affordable ($250), comfortable and fantastic all-terrain option. However, it’s not suited to all the activities you might do with a travel stroller, because it isn’t as compact as other options. It does have a carrying case and can be gate-checked, plus it has a near-flat recline and great turn radius, so it’s a solid choice for everyday city life or road trips but not air travel.

Mountain Buggy Nano: In terms of size and compactness, the 13-pound Mountain Buggy Nano is a good option, but there are better strollers as far as performance and quality go at the same price ($220). I found the stroller to generally feel too bumpy, and it tipped when rounding tight corners.

Bugaboo Butterfly: The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong option, especially since it fits in airplane aisles and overhead bins and is compatible with many car seats (with an adapter). However, I found the fold to be trickier on occasion than other options in this price range ($450), and ultimately it wasn’t as smooth or lightweight as its competitors—it weighs 16.1 pounds.

Cybex Orfeo: This Cybex Orfeo travel stroller ($400) is a great one-handed-fold option at just 13.9 pounds. It reclines, is compatible with airplanes and Cybex car sets and performed well in testing. The only reason it wasn’t selected as a best option is that others had greater differentiating factors that set them apart.

Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Stroller: The strong points of this stroller are its near-flat recline, smooth performance and the fact that it’s compatible with six car seat brands. The fold, however, proved frustrating. Ultimately, there are more compact travel-friendly options with more suitable features in the same price range ($300).

Zoe Traveler: A strong contender if you’re in the market for a splurgy ($250) umbrella-style stroller, the Zoe Traveler didn’t make the cut simply because there were other options with higher-quality materials and similar features.

In developing my testing process for travel strollers, I felt strongly that they should be easy to use but also maneuver well. Of course, they had to all fall into the extra-lightweight and compact category, too, given that parents are likely to be lifting, folding and squeezing these strollers into small spaces and with some frequency. All winners needed to be of the best quality, too. I also considered whether a travel stroller offered any bonus features that made them particularly attractive in certain situations. For example, if the stroller offered a one-handed fold, an extra-large storage bin or a full travel system that could be used from birth.

I tested each stroller in my backyard and around my block, with either my 31-pound child or a 35-pound weight secured into the seat. I pushed strollers around on several types of terrain: brick, concrete, turf, gravel, crushed granite and (when safe) the street. I tested brakes and took the strollers up and down curbs and over bumps. I checked whether the strollers were well-suited to one-handed steering. To really hone in on the performance—specifically tire suspension and steering—I crafted an obstacle course in my yard and wheeled each stroller around tight turns and down makeshift airplane aisles (which range from 17 to 19 inches in width, depending on the aircraft and airline) while also handling a rolling suitcase.

I also created a replica overhead bin to ensure that ones that allege they’re overhead-bin compatible actually were. I tested how easily and quickly the strollers folded, and I gauged how lightweight (and comfortable) each stroller was to carry around and up and down stairs and around the block—while pregnant.

I noted how easy it was to buckle and unbuckle my child into the strollers, how smoothly they reclined, whether the canopy provided adequate coverage and whether a diaper bag fit in the underseat basket. By chance, I had to leave the strollers outside for 24 hours, which helped to test the quality and durability.

With all the data compiled, I studied each stroller to determine the quality of the materials, and I considered how long a travel stroller could be used and in which situations, like visiting an amusement park, acting as an everyday stroller or rolling down the smooth floors of an airport.

The winning travel strollers were all exceptionally lightweight and provided simple folds but also ... [+] sturdy and easy to maneuver through tight spaces.

When it comes to selecting a travel stroller, the options are plenty and ever-changing. The amount of seemingly similar strollers can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re typically quite costly. And while polling parent friends and exhaustive online research is always helpful, it’s important to note a few factors to help you find the best travel stroller for your family.

“When selecting a travel stroller, parents should consider their child’s age, mode of transportation and the activities you’ll be doing at your destination,” adds Alli Cavasino, certified child passenger safety technician and JoyLet cofounder and CEO. “For example, if you’re navigating cobblestone streets, you’ll want to ensure the stroller’s wheels are sturdy for different terrain.”

First, it’s important to consider how you and your family hope to use a travel stroller. Will it accompany you on airplane trips, be stored in your car for road trips, brought out for amusement park trips or be considered for everyday use? Also consider whether you plan to use it for one child or multiple children over the course of time, whether you want something that’s suitable from birth and whether it’s compatible with your car seat (if a travel system is necessary). Once you determine those factors, you should be able to narrow it down.

The features you’ll likely want to consider most closely are the fold, storage space, recline, canopy and weight limit. Of course, some options have additional features like folding leg rests, travel carrying bags and magnetic harness buckles. In terms of fold, you may want to keep an eye out for one-handed folds, as this is easier while holding additional luggage or a child. A deep recline can be helpful for naps on the go, and an extended canopy (preferably with UPF 50+) keeps your child cool in warm weather. You should also determine whether you’d like a large storage basket, whether the weight limit is sufficient for your child and how long you hope to be able to use it. Additional features are always nice to have, but if you don’t intend to use them, they may not be all that important.

One aspect that makes travel strollers compatible with airports and adventures is that they’re more lightweight and compact than traditional strollers. That said, would you benefit from a 12-pound stroller or are you willing to go with an 18-pound option to ensure a smoother ride and more undercarriage basket space? While some travel strollers can fit in an overhead bin and wheel down airplane aisles, not all are able to. If you hope to carry on your travel stroller instead of gate-checking it, you’ll need to ensure your travel stroller is airplane compliant.

I’ve written shopping and review content in the lifestyle space for over 5 years. Since becoming a mom in 2020, I’ve specialized in baby and maternity gear. You can see my recent testing experience and reviews on Forbes Vetted, including the best diaper bags, nursery gliders and maternity clothes. As a mom to a 3-year-old (and a newborn), I’ve tested many strollers personally, which has fine-tuned my testing strategy professionally. I’m not ashamed to admit that I personally owned five strollers prior to testing for this story.

In determining how to test these travel strollers for a comprehensive understanding of which is best for which situation, I tapped into my experience as a parent, spoke with experts in the baby space and had conversations with other parents to ensure the selection was thorough. I read dozens of reviews and explored other best lists from competitors to help inform my selections.

These are the baby gear industry professionals I interviewed to inform these selections:

With all of these factors in mind, I was able to test the best travel strollers on the market in terms of their ease of use, performance, features, size and durability.

Giving Back Note: Eight travel strollers were donated to families in need after testing for this story was complete. The strollers went to Harvest Home in Santa Monica, California, which supports homeless pregnant mothers, and to United Friends of the Children in Los Angeles, where they benefited pregnant foster youth.

I'm a technology reporter and senior writer at Forbes based in San Francisco. Have a tip? Email me at ebakerwhite@forbes.com or emilybakerwhite@protonmail.com.

Stroller Car Seat Combo I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.

Best Travel Strollers 2023 - Forbes Vetted