The Best Travel Strollers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed by Parents & Experts
Lightweight and compact, a travel stroller can help make your next family vacation a little bit easier.
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Travel strollers have come a long way. When I first became a parent, a “travel stroller” meant something lightweight and basic with an umbrella-style fold and bare-bones features—fine for vacation or a quick errand, but not something you’d want to use every day.
Now, over a decade later—and with years of hands-on product testing under my belt as Babylist’s senior gear editor—travel strollers are something completely different. Many lightweight options rival full-size strollers in comfort, suspension and durability, just in a much smaller, easier-to-carry package. Most fold quickly (often with one hand), are light enough to sling over your shoulder and small enough to stash in an airplane’s overhead bin. And they’re not just for travel. I hear from parents all the time who use their travel stroller as their primary stroller because it’s easier to lift, store and live with.
I’ve folded, unfolded, gate-checked and lugged more travel strollers through airports, city sidewalks and suburban parks than I can count. After years of testing (and listening closely to parents who travel often with babies and toddlers) I think the Joolz Aer2 is the best travel stroller on the market. It strikes that rare balance between compact and genuinely smooth to push, making it just as practical at home as it is on vacation.
And because no two families travel the same way, I’ve also included standout picks for taller toddlers, everyday versatility, tighter budgets and more, so you can find the travel stroller that fits your family’s specific needs.
How We Judged the Best Travel Strollers
Best Travel Stroller Overall
Joolz Aer2 Stroller - Forest Green
From $579.00Pros
- Quick, compact one-handed fold + built-in carry strap
- Lightweight
- 4-wheel suspension, rides like a full-size stroller
- Newborn ready
Cons
- Small storage basket
- Expensive
TL;DR
A lightweight travel stroller that pushes and turns like a full-size stroller with a quick, easy fold, the Aer2 strikes the rare balance of compactness and ride quality.
I’ve used about a dozen travel strollers over the last decade, and the Aer is the one I come back to again and again, both for travel and for everyday life. And Babylist parents agree, calling the Aer2 “the perfect blend of function and design” and the stroller’s push “lightweight and smooth” in our annual Most Loved Baby Products survey. “I’ve brought it on several trips, and it’s great quality and extremely light,” added Amanda, a Babylist team member and a mom of three. “And it fits in the overhead compartment, which makes it great for going through the airport.”
Pushing the Aer2 doesn’t feel much different than pushing a larger, more expensive stroller—and that’s one of the main things I love about it. "It feels compact but never cramped—like a full stroller cleverly disguised as travel gear," one parent added.
That’s because of the four-wheel suspension, an uncommon feature in travel strollers. It glides effortlessly across uneven surfaces like bumpy sidewalks and dirt paths. Combined with the incredibly easy one-handed fold (after a few tries, it won’t take you more than two or three seconds, ever), the compact design and the comfortable seat that contours to fit your child’s body, this stroller is a great choice for travel and everyday use. (It currently occupies a permanent spot in the trunk of my car in addition to coming along on all family trips.)
Other features I love: unlike many strollers, it’s newborn-friendly right out of the box thanks to the lie-flat seat. If you’d rather use a car seat or a bassinet, that’s an option, too; the Aer2 is compatible with popular brands like Nuna, Clek and Cybex (adapters sold separately) or with the brand’s bassinet. And it folds small enough to sling over your shoulder—there’s a carry strap built right in—or tote up and down stairs, on public transportation or anywhere else you need to go.
Worth noting:
The basket is small, which isn’t uncommon for a travel stroller—but it’s still worth noting.
It’s a premium travel stroller at a premium price; weigh how often you’ll use it before committing if budget is a concern.
Additional Specs
Stroller Weight: 14.5 lbs
Dimensions: Folded: 20.8” L x 17.5” W x 9.3” H; unfolded: 33.5” L x 17.5” W x 42” H unfolded:
Child Guidelines: Birth to 50 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility: See list
Best Travel Stroller For Toddlers
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Complete Stroller - Desert Taupe
From $509.15Pros
- Tall seat back = good for older/taller kids
- Quick, compact one-handed fold + built-in carry strap
- 4-wheel suspension
- Newborn ready
Cons
- A few pounds heavier than our top pick
- No bassinet option
- Uncomfortable for some taller parents to push
- Expensive
TL;DR
If you’re traveling with a taller toddler or want a travel stroller that will last longer, the Butterfly 2 is a premium option that offers a roomier seat and bigger basket while still folding compactly for travel.
There are two travel strollers I regularly recommend to families: the Joolz Aer2 (which I’ve raved about sufficiently above) and Bugaboo’s compact stroller, the Butterfly 2.
This style-forward stroller shares many thoughtful features with the Aer2, but with a few key differences that may matter depending on your family. It has a four-wheel suspension system (with larger wheels on the 2.0 version), which makes a noticeable difference once you leave smooth pavement—especially when pushing a bigger toddler. While it doesn’t maneuver quite as effortlessly as the Aer2 (and yes, I’m being very nitpicky here), it’s very close. It moves and turns well and is still easy to steer one-handed, and is newborn-ready right out of the box.
The fold is just as impressive: quick, one-handed and compact enough to fit in the overhead bin on most airlines. There’s also a built-in carry strap, a travel stroller must-have for me. The newly updated 2.0 model also features a more spacious seat with a more upright angle and an additional storage pocket on the seat back, two thoughtful upgrades.
"I bought the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller primarily for travel...[it] quickly became both my and my husband's favorite, and it's the one we reach for day-to-day, consistently," one parent told us in our annual survey. "If I could go back in time, I'd buy it as our primary stroller."
Where the Butterfly really separates itself from the Aer2 is in seatback height. It’s tall. My 95th percentile four-year-old still fits in it, whereas his head is now peeking over the top of our Aer. If you’re shopping for a stroller that will last well into toddlerhood, this matters. The built-in footrest adds to that comfort, and the generous canopy is one of the best I’ve seen of all the travel strollers on our list. It also has a larger storage basket than the Aer2.
The storage basket is larger than the Aer+’s but still on the smaller side. And the back wheels are fairly close together. That setup, combined with a handle that doesn’t extend (which is the norm for compact strollers), means that if you’re on the taller side like me (5’10”), you may kick the back of the stroller while you’re walking. And although I wouldn’t consider it heavy, it is one of the heavier travel strollers on our list by about three pounds.
Worth noting:
It’s a few pounds heavier than the Aer thanks to the added seat height, slightly larger frame and roomier storage basket.
There’s no bassinet option, though it works with select infant car seats using adapters.
Because the back wheels are close together and the handlebar doesn’t extend (the norm for most travel strollers), taller parents like me (5’10”) may find themselves occasionally kicking the stroller while walking.
It’s a premium travel stroller, and the price reflects that.
Additional Specs
Stroller Weight: 16 lbs
Dimensions: Unfolded: 17.6” x 37.2” x 40.5”; folded: 17.6” x 9.6” x 21.8”
Child Guidelines: Birth to 50 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility: See list
Click to watch how the Bugaboo Butterfly Complete Stroller folds. Note: this is the original Butterfly, not the Butterfly 2, but the fold on the V2 is identical. (Video: Tonya Baker, Babylist Director of Brand & Visual Design)
Most Versatile Travel Stroller
UPPAbaby Minu V3 Stroller - Greyson
From $499.99Pros
- Great for travel + everyday use
- Quick, compact one-handed fold + built-in carry strap
- Tall seat back
- Newborn ready
Cons
- A few pounds heavier than our top travel stroller pick
- Hard to push one-handed
- Fold isn't always fluid
- Expensive
TL;DR
A compact travel stroller that’s sturdy enough for everyday life, the Minu V3 isn’t the lightest in the category, but its tall seat, newborn readiness and practical upgrades make it one of the most versatile options out there.
When I became a parent, travel strollers were exactly that—strollers you used only for travel. Now, a decade later, the world of lightweight strollers is something else entirely. UPPAbaby’s Minu V3 is a great example of these advances, a compact stroller that can also be used as an everyday option, offering all the conveniences of a day-to-day stroller in a travel-friendly package.
“We never bought a full-size stroller because the Minu met all our needs,” one mom told us. “It’s light, easy to use, and fits overhead on a plane. Our infant carrier was a different brand and still clicked in like a breeze when our girl was little. There are available attachments if you want cup holders and other extras. There are cheaper travel strollers out there, but since getting this one was enough for us to forgo a full-size, it provides a great value.”
Babylist team member Cassie, a mom of two, agrees. “It’s truly our primary stroller, not just travel. Given what I know about the Minu I often tell my husband I’d likely just get that if I was expecting now, and not also get the Vista.”
What makes the Minu V3 so versatile is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. It has a roomy, tall seat, an easy-access basket and a generous canopy. The V3 upgrades made it even more practical: a fold-up foot barrier so you can use it from birth (no bassinet required), improved suspension with independent rear-wheel shocks and an even more compact fold. You can pair it directly with UPPAbaby infant car seats or use adapters for brands like Nuna, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi.
Worth noting:
The push is smooth and easy, but not quite as effortless as the Aer2 or Butterfly, especially on rougher surfaces.
The fold is simple, but it’s not always fluid—it sometimes takes a few tries.
The integrated carry handle works, but isn’t the most comfortable for longer carries.
At nearly 17 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a premium travel stroller.
Additional Specs
Stroller Weight: 16.7 lbs
Dimensions: Unfolded: 34.5”L x 18”W x 41”H; folded 10”L x 18”W x 21.5”
Child Guidelines: Birth to 50 lbs, max height 40”
Car Seat Compatibility: See list
Best Value
Pros
- Impressive value considering features
- Quick, compact one-handed fold
- Tall seat back
- Newborn ready
Cons
- Heavy (~18 lbs)
- No carry strap
- Push isn’t as refined as premium picks
TL;DR
This thoughtfully designed, newborn-ready travel stroller punches way over its price point. It’s on the heavier side, but the features and performance offer an outstanding value.
When I first tried the Bombi Bēbee stroller, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s significantly less expensive than many of the other travel strollers on this list, and the brand doesn’t have the same name recognition. But after pushing it, folding it and testing it alongside pricier models, I was genuinely impressed. It’s and study well made and the features easily compete with strollers double the price.
This lightweight packs in more features than you’d expect at this price point, and the newest V3 upgrades make it even more compelling. The biggest is that it’s newborn-ready right out of the box. The built-in newborn cocoon and flatter recline mean you can use it from day one—no bassinet or extra accessories required, a huge value add at this price. It also supports up to 55 pounds, which, combined with the high seat back, means it will last most families well into the toddler years.
The fold is quick and compact, and it feels intuitive after a couple of tries. It doesn’t collapse quite as small as the other strollers on our list, but it’s still very manageable for travel and easy to stash in a trunk. I also appreciate the one-pull harness straps for easy fit adjustments.
As for ride quality, it’s solid, especially for the price. The independent all-wheel suspension keeps things from feeling rattly on everyday sidewalks, and while it’s not quite as smooth as the Aer2 or Butterfly, it’s far from flimsy. The upgraded rear ventilation is another thoughtful touch—you’ll appreciate it on warmer travel days.
Worth noting:
Weighing in at about 18 pounds, it’s the heaviest travel stroller on our list. You’ll feel the difference if you’re lifting it frequently into overhead bins or in and out of your car.
There’s no carry strap; instead, you’ll use the stroller’s bumper bar to lift and carry it.
The push is good, but not as refined as pricier picks, especially over rougher terrain.
If you’ll be using it heavily on uneven sidewalks or cobblestones, consider upgrading to Bombi’s Big Wheel Set for better performance.
The storage basket sits lower to the ground, especially when heavily loaded.
Additional Specs
Stroller Weight: x lbs
Dimensions: Unfolded: 34” L × 19.75” W × 40” H; folded: 23.375” L × 19.75” W × 10” H
Child Guidelines: Birth to 55 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility: See list
👀 Also Worth a Look
If you only plan to use a travel stroller occasionally or are looking for something more basic and budget-friendly, the 3Dlite is the perfect pick. This umbrella stroller is under $100, weighs just 14 pounds and folds in on itself rather than downward like the other strollers on our list (hence the name “umbrella stroller”). It’s easy to toss into your trunk or to carry through an airport using the built-in shoulder strap.
Best Travel System
Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn - Cedar
From $800.00Pros
- Includes baseless infant car seat + stroller
- Compact, lightweight stroller with easy fold
- Includes carry bag
Cons
- Larger, heavier than many travel strollers
- No carry strap
- Car seat has slightly lower height limit than others
TL;DR
If frequent travel or rideshare use is in your future, this combo makes things simpler. The baseless urbn takes the stress out of car seat installs and the TRVL folds quickly and works well for both trips and everyday errands.
If you know you’ll be traveling frequently throughout your baby’s first year, you may want to invest in a travel system (a stroller and car seat that attach; here’s more on how to choose). This combo is my favorite and what I wish I’d had way back when as a new mom living in New York City who didn’t own a car. It combines the ultra-popular TRVL stroller with the urbn, the first baseless car seat.
TL;DR on infant car seat installation: all infant seats can be installed without a base, but require a seat belt—along with time and patience. But not the urbn! There’s no base or seat belt required for installation, since the LATCH system is built right into the seat itself. It installs effortlessly and in seconds; just release the LATCH connectors and attach it directly to your vehicle’s lower anchors. It's especially ideal if you’ll be using your car seat on the go in rideshares or taxis. “I love being able to move the car seat in and out of any car without worrying about a base,” one Babylist parent told us.
The included TRVL stroller is just as great. The two standout features for me are its fold (one-handed, quick and so easy) and its compact size (it stands on its own and weighs just over 16 pounds). While not huge, the basket is large enough to hold your essentials + a bit more and is easy to access, and the TRVL’s maneuverability is good enough that you’ll be able to steer easily with one hand.
Worth noting:
The TRVL is on the heavier side and doesn’t have a carry strap, but the maneuverability, suspension and versatility help explain the higher price point. I find it works as a travel stroller and an everyday stroller.
The urbn car seat has a slightly lower height limit than many infant car seats, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Additional Specs
Stroller Weight: 16.4 lbs
Stroller Dimensions: Unfolded: 32” L x 21” W x 45.5” H; folded: 14.25” L x 21” W x 27” H
Stroller Child Guidelines: Birth (with infant car seat, included) up to 50 lbs
Car Seat Weight: 7 lbs
Car Seat Child Guidelines: 4-30 lbs, 16-29”
Click to watch how the Nuna TRVL folds.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. I've been Babylist's Senior Gear Editor since 2021 and have been writing about baby gear since 2018. I'm also a mom of two boys who are seven years apart. During all this time, I've tested, reviewed, written about and personally used a lot of travel strollers.
Expert POV. For travel-specific intel, I spoke to Kim Militello, a Babylist team member and a mom of three who previously worked as a flight attendant for many years, about traveling with kids (and all of their gear). I also talked with a group of Babylist team members, all parents who travel frequently with their little ones.
Travel stroller data. I regularly analyze which baby products our users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what our team of Merchandising experts—our buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us choose which travel strollers to narrow in on and which ones to recommend to new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. I reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of Babylist parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on our Babylist staff about their real-life product experiences.
Do I Need a Travel Stroller?
Travel strollers, also called lightweight or compact strollers, strike a balance between traditional full-size strollers and umbrella styles. They're lighter and easier to fold, and most offer familiar features like recline positions, an extendable canopy and a storage basket.
A travel stroller isn't a must-have, but if you're on the go frequently—or simply want a smaller, lighter option in addition to a full-size stroller—a travel stroller is a good investment.
Before you start shopping, ask yourself:
How often do I travel, and to what types of destinations?
How much do I want to spend?
Where will I store the stroller when it’s not in use?
One thing worth knowing: a lot of parents find that a travel stroller works just as well as a full-size option for everyday use. The main caveat is that unless your travel stroller is compatible with an infant car seat, features a lay-flat seat or offers a bassinet option, you'll need to wait until your baby can support their head, neck and torso, anywhere from three to six months old.
What to Look for in a Travel Stroller
A travel stroller should be easy to take with you on trips and a comfortable spot for your little one. Consider these features as you research and shop.
Size and weight. You'll be lifting, carrying and storing your travel stroller often, so size and weight are important. Look for one that’s lightweight and manageable. Also, pay attention to both the folded and unfolded size of your travel stroller. If you’re planning on using it for an older toddler, be sure it’s large enough to accommodate them.
Fold. Whether you're stashing it in the overhead compartment of an airplane or tucking it under the table at a restaurant, you'll be folding and unfolding your stroller often while on the go. Choose a travel stroller with a quick, easy fold, preferably one you can do one-handed.
Maneuverability. Not all travel strollers are created equally. Some offer much more maneuverability and a better suspension system than others; however, these features come at a cost. Thinking through how often you’ll be using your travel stroller and what types of terrain you’ll encounter most often can help determine whether or not a more expensive stroller is worthwhile.
Canopy size. Most travel involves at least some, if not a lot, of outdoor time. A large canopy is essential for protecting your little one from the elements, especially the sun.
Comfort and convenience features. Similar to a full-size stroller, look for features that will make you and your little one more comfortable, especially while traveling. Things like an adjustable seat with a full or nearly full recline, an ample storage basket, an adjustable handlebar and easy-to-clean fabrics are all important. And don’t forget a built-in strap or a separate carrying case for easy transport.
Flying with a Travel Stroller
There's no way around it: flying with a baby is one of the most stressed-over situations for new parents. How do you get your stroller from point A to point B? Will it count toward your baggage allotment? What if you need it in the airport? The good news is you have options.
Check it with your baggage. Some parents unload the stroller at check-in and switch to a baby carrier through the airport instead. The advantage is you're not lugging it around if you don't need it; instead, pair a front carrier with a backpack-style diaper bag and your hands stay free. Just know your stroller will be subject to the same rough handling as the rest of your checked bags. And if you have a larger stroller, the airline may require you to check it anyway. Either way, it typically doesn't count toward your baggage allotment.
Check it at the gate. Want to use the stroller all the way to the jet bridge? Gate-checking is the move. Tag it with the gate agent before you board, and it'll be waiting for you outside the aircraft door when you land. "Gate-checked items are usually more fragile and are hand-carried from the entrance of the airplane to the bottom," says Militello. You also skip the baggage carousel entirely. The one trade-off: if you have a tight connection, waiting on the jet bridge for your stroller can eat up time you don't have.
Stow it on the plane. If your stroller folds small enough to fit in the overhead bin, this is the option that eliminates damage risk and any waiting at the jet bridge or baggage claim. The catch is that it counts as your carry-on. “You typically only get one carry-on item, so choose wisely!” Miletello recommends.
A few other things to keep in mind: if you're checking the stroller with baggage and don't have a stroller travel bag, ask the check-in agent for a plastic bag to protect it. If you're taking it through security, it needs to be folded and run through the X-ray machine, so don't stuff the basket until after you're through. And if your checked stroller doesn't show up on the baggage carousel, check the oversized luggage area. (If you also checked a travel crib, it's probably there too.)
Do I need a stroller bag?
Whether you need a travel stroller bag really comes down to how you plan to use the stroller. If you're flying and checking it, either with your luggage or at the gate, a padded bag is worth having. It won't guarantee your stroller arrives unscathed, but it helps. If you're not flying much, or if the stroller is pulling double duty as your everyday option, it's probably not a must-have.
Some travel strollers come with a bag included; others require a separate purchase, so check with your brand. There are also generic travel bags that may work depending on your stroller's folded dimensions.
