7 Simple Secrets To Totally Making A Statement With Your Strollers

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is one of the lightest, most compact and easy to fold. Despite its size, it provides a good ride, great sun canopy and multi-position recline.

This stroller is a great value for less than $100. It's compact and easy to fold away, making it perfect for public transport or to carry over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers, lightweight and easy-to-fold are key. The most popular models we tested could be folded with one hand and sometimes with two and Babiie Pram fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They are also compact and roll well, making them easy to maneuver into tight space. Some even come with a telescoping handle for parents of various heights. If you're planning a short trip with a newborn or a long-haul trip with a toddler, find an easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey -- and return for your family.

We tested nine strollers that meet our minimum weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets as well as on country side walks and at the airport terminal to determine its ability to maneuver, its ease of folding and carrying as well as overall comfort for the child.

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that has the simplest fold of the strollers we've tested and can fit into overhead bins for airplanes. It's compatible with car seats and its seat reclines almost completely flat, which makes it suitable for babies. The car also features an undercarriage that is deep with a bag hook on the handle and a UPF50+ canopy that will offer plenty of protection to your child.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is an alternative that is a great choice. It features the ability to fold in concertina that can be operated using just one hand, and is extremely light. The five-point harness is padded, the crotch strap, and the Reversible seats protect your child with a huge undercarriage basket as well as a reversible seat ensure there's space for their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand’s infant car seat. This makes it a viable option for families starting that have children from birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is a different one-handed, one-step fold that comes with car seat compatibility and a far-reaching canopy. It's more expensive than other models in this category, but offers additional features such as a large cupholder and parent pocket, a movable handlebar to accommodate parents of different heights and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model does compromise durability, compared to other models in this class.

2. Easy to fold

If you're constantly on the move the stroller you use for travel needs to be simple to open and close. You do not want a stroller which is difficult to close when you're carrying food items or children in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. A lot of them have padded straps that you can put comfortably over your shoulders.

In our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its effortless fold and compact size. It also has a few excellent features: It glides smoothly over all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that offers ample coverage. It's also extremely light and stands up by itself when folded. This makes it easier to put away.

Parents who want to roll right up to the plane gate and pop their stroller into the overhead bin, we suggest looking for one that can fit inside. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example is a great fit in the smallest folding space and comes with a handy protective travel cover, but it has no reclining seat and a narrow cargo area that can only hold a small tote or diaper bag (no backpacks).

Another alternative is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds down into a concertina design but also has the option of a reversible seat to allow face-to-face or back-to-back riding. Our managing editor was able to open and close, though she was not thrilled with how the handle slides behind the seat when folded.

The tri-fold is the most recent stroller for travel. It folds down into three pieces and provides the perfect combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, for instance, has a reversible chair with a storage pouch that is not structured at the rear, and a locking latch to keep it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrella models of the brand however it folds smaller than its G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts and has an adjustable carry strap that can be slung over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best travel stroller travel strollers can fold down to a compact size that is easy to store. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car, or in the overhead bin of an airplane. Some models come with a strap can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder so your hands don't get tired. They're also lighter than normal strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry around for a quick stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

This stroller performed exceptionally excellently in our durability tests and was easy to maneuver over any type of surface. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring this stroller is a great option. However, some of our testers found it to be a bit thin and the handlebar does not have any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to consider is how big the basket is It's on the smaller side and some parents have found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.

In general, we recommend calling your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board, as they can vary. This is particularly important if you wish to check your stroller's gate, which would allow you to get around the airport without it, and then use it when you're on the plane (though this option isn't suitable for families who require car seats or a toddler booster).

If you're looking for infant carriages a no-fuss stroller that's light and folds down to a compact size the Contours Itsy is a great option. It comes nearly fully assembled out of the box and the only thing you need to do is to snap the bumper bar in the appropriate spot. It comes with cups holder for the parent and an additional back pocket. However, it does not have an oversized basket. This could make it difficult to pack the essentials for a long journey.

If you're an avid traveler, we suggest you consider a more robust stroller that offers better features and is able to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, as an instance, has many of its G-Luxe or G-Link siblings however it's smaller and folds more quickly. It is also slightly more robust than an umbrella stroller, and has a padded strap to help alleviate some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Strollers are often used for long durations of time when traveling, which is why the comfort of the stroller is crucial. Look for seats with ample padding and a recline system that allows you to set it at various angles. Be aware of whether the canopy extends to provide sun protection and if mesh windows promote airflow. Look for a model with an organizer for parents and a cupholder as well as an ample basket under the seat, if you have to carry things around. If you're shopping for a stroller that is suitable for older children, make sure to check the age range and assess whether your child is comfortable in the stroller without a car seat for infants.

The way that a stroller moves is also crucial. It should be able to move easily across a variety of surfaces that include smooth hardwoods, shag carpets, cobblestones, and gravel. It should also handle curbs and stairs with ease. Choose a lightweight stroller when you intend to do a lot of walking during your trip. This will help prevent leg and back pain.

A good travel stroller should also be easy to use. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and snap together securely when it is popped into the correct position. It should also fold down flat and fit into the boot of your car or the overhead compartments on a plane. It should also be upright when folded so that you can reach it with one hand while holding your baby in the opposite.

For parents seeking a top-quality lightweight stroller for travel The Joie Tourist is a great option. It has several recline positions so that your child can rest comfortably. The canopy that extends can provide ample sun protection, with UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and a footmuff. Charlotte loves the fact that it is suitable from newborns to four years and does not require an additional car seat adapter.