The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest and compact. It's also one of the easiest folding strollers. It offers a smooth ride with a great sun canopy, and multi-position recline.

This stroller is a great value at less than $100. It has a simple compact fold and carry strap, so it's easy to carry over your shoulders or take with you on public transport.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to travel strollers lightweight and easy to fold are essential. The top models we tested fold down using only one hand (and sometimes two) and can be tucked away in overhead luggage compartments. They also have a good roll and are small enough to maneuver easily in tight spaces. Some models come with a telescoping hand to accommodate parents of different heights. If you're planning a short trip with your newborn or a long-haul getaway with a toddler, find an easy-to-pack stroller to make the journey and return -- easier for your family.

To determine the top travel strollers, we evaluated nine strollers that were able to meet our weight and size requirements. Each model was tested on city streets and country side walks and at the airport terminal to determine its mobility, ease of carrying and folding and overall comfort for the child.

Our picks include the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) that has the simplest fold of the travel strollers we've tested and can fit into overhead bins on airplanes. It's compatible with car seats and its seat can recline almost completely flat, making it ideal for infants. The car also has an undercarriage with a deep design, a bag-hook on the handle, and a UPF50+ canopy that will offer plenty of protection to your child.

Other great options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which features a single-handed concertina fold that is extremely lightweight. The padded five-point harness, the crotch strap, and the an reversible seat will keep your child safe and secure, while a large undercarriage basket and a convertible seat ensure there's enough space for their possessions. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it an ideal option for families that start at birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320), an all-hands, one-step fold, is also compatible with car seats and has a large canopy. It's more expensive than other models in the same category however, it comes with additional features such as a large cupholder and a parent's pocket, a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of different heights, and a comfortable carry strap. The simple design does compromise durability, relative to other models in this category.

2. Folding is easy

A travel stroller should be simple to open and shut when you're on-the-go. You don't want a stroller that is difficult to close when you have children or groceries in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even when you only have one hand. Many come with a comfortable carrying strap that is comfortable over your shoulder.

houlder and not have to be concerned about your hands becoming tired. They are also lighter than normal strollers. This makes them easy to lift and carry for a stroll in the neighborhood or at the airport.

This stroller did exceptionally well on our durability tests and was easy to maneuver across all kinds of surfaces. From smooth hardwoods to shag flooring, this stroller is a great choice. However, some of our testers noticed that it was a bit flimsy and the handlebar doesn't include any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to take into consideration is how big the basket is: It's on the smaller side, and some parents found it difficult to fit a large diaper bag into it.

In general, we suggest calling your airline prior to time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board and strollers, as they may 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 use it when you're on the plane (though this isn't a viable option for families that require an infant car seat or booster).

The Contours Itsy travel babiie stroller is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. The Contours Itsy comes almost completely assembled and all you need to do is put in the bumper bar. It comes with a parent cup back pocket and holder, but no oversized basket, which could limit your ability to pack necessities for a long trip.

If you are frequent travelers, we recommend you look into a more robust stroller that has more features and the capacity to hold more items. The UPPAbaby Minu, as an example, has many of the same features similar to its G-Luxe and G-Link cousins, but it's more compact and folds faster. It is also slightly more robust than an umbrella stroller and has a strap that is padded to take some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

The comfort factor is crucial when using strollers for long periods of time. Find seats with plenty of padding and a recline feature that allows you to set it at various angles. Also note whether the canopy extends to give shade from the sun and if it has mesh windows to promote airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for the parents or a cupholder, as well as an enormous basket underneath the seat in case you need to carry things around. When looking for a Jogger for older children, make sure to check the age range. Also, consider if your child is at ease in the seat without an infant car-seat.

The way a stroller is rolled is also crucial. It must be able to roll easily across different surfaces that include smooth carpets, hardwoods and shag carpets cobblestones and gravel. It must be able to navigate curbs, stairs, and other obstacles with ease. Pick a stroller that is lightweight when you are planning to do a lot of walking during your journey. This will help to prevent leg and back pain.

A high-quality travel stroller is one that is easy to use, too. It should be assembled in less than 30 seconds and be able to snap together when popped into the correct position. It should also be able fold flat and fit into the car's boot or the overhead compartment of an airplane. It should also remain upright when folded so that you can carry it around with a single hand and hold your child in the other.

If you're a parent who's looking for a high-quality, lightweight travel stroller The Joie Tourist is a great option. It comes with 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 footmuff. Charlotte is thrilled that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and doesn't require an adapter separately.