While we love our Thule jogging stroller at home, a good travel stroller is essential when traveling with small children. The perfect travel stroller will be easy to carry through airports and also allow you to navigate narrow sidewalks while also keeping your little one comfortable and safe.
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What we look for in a travel stroller:
Carry on size
We only fly with a carry on stroller. Most airlines will gate check strollers and carseats for free, making an ultra-compact stroller not seem necessary. However, some airports return gate checked items at baggage claim, rather than plane side. For this reason, carrying on a stroller can save you the headache (and backache) of having to carry your 30 pound toddler through a layover. Additionally, the wait for gate checked items to be returned can be long. We like the convenience of being able to walk right off the plane and to our next destination without the wait.
Full Recline
Travel is exhausting for everyone, especially little bodies. With so much time spent out and about, it’s likely that your toddler will take a few naps in their stroller. Having a full recline ensures that your little one is able to get a semi-quality nap, despite being out on the go.
Large shade
Since we are a sun-sensitive family, having a large shade is important. You will undoubtedly notice that a very popular travel stroller (GB Pockit Air) is not included on this list. While this stroller may be acceptable during certain times of year in certain locations, the lack of adequate sunshade makes it too restricting to even consider as a primary travel stroller.
One handed driving
Sometimes, our hands are just full. Whether you are carrying a coffee, eating a croissant on the go, or holding an older child’s hand, we can’t always commit two hands to steering a stroller. However, some umbrella strollers require both hands to drive, which doesn’t work for our family.
Drawbacks of a travel stroller:
First and foremost, there is no perfect stroller that will fit every situation and scenario. We accept the following downsides of a travel stroller because the pros outweigh the cons while we are on the road.
Option for newborns
Many compact travel strollers lack a safe option for newborns altogether. On the other hand, others require separate accessories for newborns. For us, this was not an issue because Eloise did not tolerate any stroller until around 6 months. Additionally, we prefer to carry smaller babies in soft sided carriers, rather than strollers. If having a stroller for a baby under 6 months is a priority, then you will need to choose one with that specific feature.
The wheels:
Without doubt, the largest drawback of compact travel strollers are the wheels. People often look for travel strollers that will work well on cobbles, and that just doesn’t exist. In order to perform well on cobblestones, a stroller will need large inflatable tires that glide over the gaps between the stones. Any strollers with large tires will not be able to achieve a compact fold.
For most destinations, a smaller travel stroller will still be advantageous because large jogging strollers will not easily fit through narrow cities, and are difficult to carry up and down metro stairs. Just be aware that they will never be easy to push over cobblestones.
Other considerations:
Carry bag
If your chosen stroller has an option for a carry bag, get it. Some airline gate agents are resistant to letting you carry a stroller onboard and will insist that it is gate checked, even if it fits carry on dimensions. We place our stroller in the Zoe backpack shortly before boarding and have never been told we need to gate check it. Additionally, it protects our stroller if we need to gate check it for smaller regional planes.
When we arrived in Paris, our stroller was missing a wheel. It had fallen off at some point in our travel day. Because it was in the travel bag, we didn’t lose the wheel. Without the bag, we would have had to purchase a whole new stroller in Paris.
Carry strap
Consider adding a carrying strap to your stroller. We attached a luggage strap to ours, allowing us to easily carry it up and down flights of stairs in train stations and at AirBNBs. Many travel strollers include this feature, but a luggage strap can be added if not.
The best travel strollers:
All of the strollers listed below will fulfill these requirements:
- carry on size
- deep recline
- large sunshade
- one handed steering
Additionally, you will notice several popular models are not included here. We have only included strollers that we would be happy to own, are well reviewed by parents, and fulfill the 4 requirements above.
Babyzen Yoyo
The Babyzen Yoyo is the Rolls Royce of travel strollers. It is incredibly popular in Europe, where it serves as the only stroller for many families. The Yoyo also has options for carrying newborns safely (car seat adapter, newborn pack, or bassinet), although those need to be purchased separately. If you are looking for a compact stroller to use for travel and daily use, this is a great option.
Stats:
- Weight: 13.6 lbs
- Child capacity: 6 months to 48lbs (from birth with a car seat adapter, newborn pack, or bassinet)
Pros:
- Built in carry strap
- Bassinet or Newborn kit for carrying newborns
- Includes a carrying bag
- Car seat compatible
- Stylish color options
Cons:
- Price
- No adjustable leg rest
- Shorter backrest
- Complicated fold
Joolz Aer
Another high end travel stroller, the Joolz Aer excels in comfort for your little one. With its significantly larger seat and higher back, it is ideal for carrying larger kids. Like the Babyzen Yoyo, a bassinet can be purchased for use with newborns. This is another great option for use as an everyday stroller and as a travel stroller.
Stats:
- Weight: 13.4 lbs
- Child capacity: 6 months to 50lbs (from birth with a bassinet)
Pros:
- Built in shoulder strap
- Easy fold and carry
- Car seat compatible
- Bassinet option for carrying newborns
- Large basket
- Includes rain cover and travel bag
- Larger seat is ideal for older kids
Cons:
- Price
- Adjustable leg rest must be purchased separately
Bugaboo Butterfly
The newest of the travel strollers to make this list. Like the Joolz Aer above, the Bugaboo Butterfly has a significantly larger seat than the Yoyo. It is slightly heavier and feels sturdier, but has a few awkward components, specifically the carry handle/footrest, and the carry strap. This is a brand new stroller in 2022, so it hasn’t been tested the way the other strollers on this list have been. However, Bugaboo is known for building excellent strollers that are very high quality.
Stats:
- Weight: 16.1 lbs
- Child capacity: 6 months to 48.5lbs (from birth with a car seat)
Pros
- Very large, functional basket
- Large seat
- Built in carry strap
- Leg rest
- Sturdy build
- Price- the least expensive of the higher end models
- One handed fold
Cons
- Smaller wheels
- Price- still pretty high
- Awkward handle and carry strap
- The heaviest stroller on the list
Zoe Traveler
Note: Zoe has recently discontinued the popular Traveler model. They still offer a compact model (The Trip), but it is slightly heavier and a bit larger. Hopefully, Zoe will bring back the Traveler when supply chain issues are sorted out. Until then, we recommend the Mountain Buggy Nano as a more budget-friendly option.
The Zoe Traveler is a great budget option for traveling families. While it lacks the ability to carry newborns, the large hood and deep recline are great for travel. The adjustable leg rest also makes it more comfortable for older babies and toddlers. At just 11 pounds, it is the lightest stroller on this list.
Stats:
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Child capacity: 6 months-45 lbs (no newborn option)
Pros:
- Adjustable leg rest
- Price
- Almost flat recline
- Large sunshade
- The lightest stroller on the list
Cons:
- No options for carrying newborns
- Not car seat compatible
- Carrying strap and bag are sold separately
Mountain Buggy Nano
With a very similar build to the Zoe Traveler, Mountain Buggy Nano is another great budget option for families. This is the only stroller on this list that allows a car seat connection without the purchase of an additional adapter, There is also an option to purchase a separate cocoon for newborns.
Stats:
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Child capacity: 6 months to 45 lbs (from birth with a car seat- no adapter required).
Pros:
- Price
- Car seat compatible
- Flat recline
- Adjustable leg rest
- Included carry bag and shoulder strap
Cons:
- Slightly lower handles
- Wheels do not pack away in carry bag
Doona
The Doona is completely different than every other stroller on this list- it is actually a car seat with wheels. Of course, the largest downside of this is the limited time that a baby can fit in the carseat. Because of this, the Doona can only be used for a short period. If you plan to travel a lot with your baby, or frequently take ubers and need a car seat handy, the Doona would be a good option for you.
Stats:
- Weight: 16.5 lbs
- Child Capacity: newborn to 35 pounds (although babies are likely to outgrow the height limit before reaching 35 pounds)
Pros:
- It is also a car seat
Cons:
- Only usable for a short time
- No storage basket
- Low handles
- Price
Our Pick
When we purchased our travel stroller, we felt the Zoe offered the best compromise for features and price. We had a very tough time choosing between the Zoe and the Mountain Buggy and ended up choosing the Zoe based on the slightly higher handlebars (Casey is 6’4”).
When we were choosing our strollers, we anticipated using our full size stroller while home, and only using the travel stroller while away. In hindsight, we have found that we use our “travel stroller” for quick outings around our home when our full size stroller isn’t needed. We ended up buying a Joolz Aer and couldn’t be happier with our decision. The Aer handles better than the Zoe on rough terrain, and feels much sturdier. The taller handle is also ideal for Casey.
Overall, the Zoe would have been perfectly adequate for use traveling once or twice a year. However, because we use this ultracompact for travel and quick outings at home, the higher end stroller was a good investment. If you are on a budget, Zoe and Mountain Buggy both make great strollers. If you are traveling frequently, or looking for an everyday option, the higher end choices here are worth the investment.
Flying with a Baby or Toddler? Check out these other gear recommendations:
- Baby Travel Gear- A full list of things you need when traveling with a baby
- The Best Airplane Toys for Flying with Babies
- Your Personal Item with a Baby- Full Packing List
