Traveling with toddlers can be challenging but made easier with the right gear. High on the list should be a collapsible travel stroller to support you while on the move. These compact and lightweight companions can make a significant difference in the ease and convenience of your journey.
There are countless strollers on the market, and the right stroller varies depending on your travel requirements. For example, a stroller that packs nicely into the truck of your car might be best suited for traveling locally. But when planning an international trip, you will need a stroller that complies with airline carry-on restrictions. To help ease your decision-making, we have compiled a list of the 7 best travel strollers on the market;
Be sure to make it to #1 for our take on why Qbit+ All-City is the best travel companion for outdoor families.
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7. Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller
Folded dimensions: 7.08 x 11.81 x 21.65 inches
Weight: 13.6 Pounds
Weight limit: 55 Pounds
Price: $499
The Silver Cross Jet 3 Super Compact Stroller effortlessly glides through bustling airports and city streets, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go parents. Its remarkable agility shines through, even when fully loaded with cargo and your child seated comfortably.
This stroller gracefully tackles various terrains and turns with remarkable ease, enhancing your travel experience. What’s more, its ingenious design allows for effortless portability: when folded and enclosed in the provided travel cover, the stroller’s wheels and handlebar remain accessible, enabling you to roll it behind you like a suitcase, adding an extra layer of convenience to your journey.
In terms of design, this travel stroller truly excels. It boasts a range of features that enhance your child’s comfort and safety, including an adjustable waterproof UPF 50+ canopy complete with a peekaboo window, an adaptable footrest, and a seat that can recline fully.
While the handlebar offers a comfortable grip, it lacks adjustability, which may pose a minor inconvenience for taller parents. However, the stroller’s sleek appearance, featuring elegant black fabric and luxurious brown leather accents on the handlebar and bumper bar, is reminiscent of a high-end luxury car.
However, the cargo area is disappointingly compact, making accommodating items like diaper bags impractical. Also, there are no hooks provided on the handlebar for hanging a diaper bag. Assembling the stroller presents a mixed experience—attaching the wheels and bumper bar is straightforward, but securing the frame into its upright position can be tricky, and the included instructions do not provide much assistance. Nonetheless, with some patience and effort, assembly can typically be completed in about 10 minutes.
Pros
- Easy maneuverability
- Supports one-handed fold
Cons
- Might be inconveniencing for tall parents
- Small cargo space
6. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller
Folded dimensions: 22 x 20 x 7 inches
Weight: 14.3 Pounds
Weight limit: 20 Pounds
Price: $259
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is designed to make big adventures easy, all while folding up incredibly small—shrinking to a remarkable 85% smaller than its unfolded size. With its ultra-compact, one-step fold and weighing in at just 14 pounds, it’s the ultimate travel stroller. Plus, it comes complete with a handy carry bag for added convenience.
Despite its lightweight design, the City Tour 2 doesn’t compromise on comfort or features for your little one. Your baby will ride in style with multiple recline positions, a sun-protective UV 50+ canopy, and a plush, generously padded seat with extra depth. Notably, it’s one of the few ultra-compact strollers that offers adjustable calf support, ensuring your growing child stays content throughout your journeys.
Also, the City Tour 2 has a lifetime warranty on its frame, giving you the peace of mind and confidence to stroll with assurance. The City Tour 2 also seamlessly connects with Baby Jogger infant car seats, allowing you to travel together right from infancy. Simply pair it with any Baby Jogger infant car seat (sold separately), and your baby can enjoy a smooth and serene ride.
A wide range of add-on accessories are available (sold separately) to make your stroller even more tailored to your needs. These accessories provide customization options to enhance the parent’s and child’s comfort and convenience. With the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, you are fully equipped for your day’s adventures, wherever they may take you.
They even have a double stroller option!
Pros
- It is lightweight
- Incredibly versatile
Cons
- Not as simple to fold as the Minu V2 (below)
5. Kolcraft Cloud Plus Stroller
Folded dimensions: 10 x 33 x 17.5 inches
Weight: 11.8 Pounds
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Price: $80
If you are searching for an affordable option, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a solid choice due to its excellent foldability, durability, and overall value. While it doesn’t come with all the fancy extras found in pricier models, it offers functionality at a much more reasonable price point than others on the list.
The stroller is designed for easy folding and unfolding; it can be accomplished with just one hand. It’s worth noting that the Kolcraft may not provide the smoothest ride, but it’s lightweight design allows you to navigate over gravel surfaces even when the wheels encounter resistance.
However, this option has a few trade-offs, primarily in terms of portability. Although the stroller is one of the lightest available, it doesn’t come with a case, strap, or handle for convenient carrying. Also, it doesn’t fold down compactly enough to fit in an overhead bin, so you’ll need to check it at the gate if you plan to travel by air.
Pros
- It is pocket-friendly
- It is lightweight
Cons
- It is not as sturdy as other strollers on our list
4. Joolz AER+ Buggy
Folded dimensions: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 13.2 Pounds
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Price: $449
Boasting a remarkable 4.8 average rating and an impressive 98% satisfaction rate, the Joolz Aer+ clinched the coveted Red Dot award in 2022, setting an industry benchmark for premium strollers. Every inch of the Aer+ is a testament to precision and care, born from the artistry of Dutch design and meticulously crafted at our headquarters in the heart of Amsterdam, thoughtfully taking into account user feedback and insights.
The stroller is the ultimate companion for nearby escapades and far-flung journeys, ensuring your kids ride comfortably. Its ergonomically designed seat offers a semi-reclined position, providing a cozy spot for on-the-go naps. Also, the Aer+ is ingeniously lightweight and effortlessly foldable, making it a breeze to maneuver wherever your wanderlust takes you. It’s time to seize the world!
When you need it, your trusty stroller springs into action in a mere second. The Joolz Aer+ boasts a space-saving design that easily fits into snug corners. For added convenience during your travels, the stroller comes complete with a travel bag, ensuring the protection of your lightweight stroller. Its slender profile allows it to glide down airplane aisles easily, and it’s designed to be stowed in the overhead compartment, making it a lifesaver for families on the move.
The Joolz Aer+ features an easy-to-use harness, sturdy wheels, excellent ventilation, an integrated carry strap, and ample storage for toys and groceries, streamlining your daily life. Its one-hand, one-second fold is a standout feature, a godsend for parents who crave simplicity.
The semi-reclining seat, coupled with the UPF 50+ sun hood featuring ventilation, ensures your child’s comfort while you’re on the move. The adjustable harness and click-and-go 5-point buckle keep your little one snug and secure, effortlessly adapting to your child’s growth. Furthermore, the generously sized basket can carry up to 5kg of essentials, simplifying your journeys and errands.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Offers one-handed fold and maneuvering
- Excellent quality and very sturdy
Cons
- The basket space is not as spacious as that of other strollers on our list
3. Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller
Folded dimensions: 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 Inches
Weight: 16.1 Pounds
Weight limit: 48.5 Pounds
Price: $449
When embarking on a family adventure with your little ones, the last thing you want to deal with is a complex, bulky stroller. That’s where the Bugaboo Butterfly Seat Stroller comes in, offering a lightweight and hassle-free solution. It boasts a compact design with a convenient standing fold, two carrying options, and ample storage space for all your child’s essentials.
Folding it is a breeze –press two buttons on the handle and push the frame down until you hear the satisfying click of it locking securely in place. User-friendly indicators on either side of the handlebar ensure a foolproof fold. Once collapsed, you have two carrying options at your disposal. You can opt for hands-free portability using the shoulder strap or carry it effortlessly using the handle on the leg rest.
While the Bugaboo Butterfly excels in various aspects, it truly distinguishes itself with its sleek and thoughtful design. Available in stylish black, forest green, and slate blue, this stroller boasts various features that cater to both parent and child comfort. Its adjustable fold-out leg rest ensures your child’s comfort during long strolls, and the inclusion of a wrist strap provides an added layer of security.
The adjustable canopy, complete with a mesh panel, offers ample sun protection, and the five-point no-rethread harness keeps your child secure in their seat. Not to forget the elegant white accents on the buckle and wheels, which add a touch of sophistication.
Cleaning up after inevitable snack crumbs is a breeze, as the seat inlay is removable and machine washable. Also, the stroller includes a rain cover to shield your little one from the elements, ensuring their comfort regardless of the weather.
Pros
- Roomy and flexible cargo space
- It offers a compact and standing fold
- Machine washable padding
Cons
- The reclining mechanism is hard to operate
2. Uppababy Minu V2
Folded dimensions: 12 X 20.25 X 23 Inches
Weight: 16.9 Pounds
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Price: $449
The Uppababy Minu V2 stroller introduces effortless one-handed, one-step folding technology and a range of modern conveniences, making it the ideal companion for your adventures with your little one. Folding this stroller into a compact size and stowing it away in tight spaces is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design requiring just one hand and a single smooth motion. Plus, it offers a spacious and easily accessible basket for daily essentials.
Adding a touch of sophistication, the stroller boasts a genuine leather handlebar, providing a secure grip and a timeless and elegant aesthetic that only improves with age. Multiple seat positions are available to ensure your child’s utmost comfort during the ride.
For added protection against the elements, the stroller features a zip-out, expandable sunshade with UPF 50+ rating, shielding your little one from harmful UV rays. Also, a vented peekaboo window allows your child to observe the world outside. The stroller’s multiposition recline function permits your child to recline for a peaceful nap or sit upright to take in the surroundings.
The stroller is equipped with spring-action, shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. Stopping the stroller is a breeze with the convenient red brake pedal, requiring a simple tap. For added versatility, this stroller is compatible with car seats from MESA®, Maxi-Cosi®, Nuna®, and Cybex, thanks to compatible adapters.
There’s also the option for newborns to purchase the From Birth Kit separately, allowing them to lie completely flat and stay comfortable with a canopy that enhances airflow. This stroller is designed to cater to the needs of both parents and infants, offering style, functionality, and safety in one sleek package.
Pros
- Folds easily
- Great maneuverability
Cons
- It is heavier and bulkier than most strollers on our list
1. gb Qbit+ All City Stroller
Folded dimensions: 17 x 10.4 x 22.8 Inches
Weight: 17.16 Pounds
Weight limit: 22kgs
Price: $380
Compact yet incredibly comfortable, the Qbit+ All-City is the travel stroller every parent yearns for. Boasting an exceptionally lightweight frame and a state-of-the-art four-wheel suspension system, the Qbit+ All-City guarantees a remarkably smooth ride with heightened maneuverability.
It effortlessly conquers uneven terrain like cobblestone streets and bumpy sidewalks, allowing you to explore new cities or stroll through the park comfortably. Plus, when the day’s adventures are over, a simple flick of the wrist transforms the Qbit+ All-City into a remarkably compact package, ready to accompany you anywhere – truly the quintessential travel companion.
What sets the Qbit+ All-City apart is its versatile 3-in-1 travel system, intuitively designed to offer various customization options. You can pair it with a matching carry cot, utilizing the lightweight and compact stroller, or integrate it with an award-winning CYBEX or gb infant car seat.
With its compact and convenient design, this stroller can be effortlessly folded into an exceptionally compact package. Also, the one-handed recline feature allows you to adjust the backrest to a comfortable full-lie flat position, ensuring your child’s ultimate comfort during your city adventures.
The Qbit+ All-City is ideal for parents navigating the vibrant and fast-paced city life. Its fusion of comfort, agility, and convenience makes it a standout choice for families who crave style and functionality in their travel stroller.
Pros
- Easy to fold
- Very sturdy
- Solid handling
Cons
- It is not as lightweight as other options on our list
What to look for in a travel stroller
The factors to take into account when selecting a travel stroller will differ depending on your child’s requirements, travel plans, and destination activities. However, we believe that there are specific key requirements that every stroller should fulfill, along with some desirable features that can enhance the experience. These include;
Size and weight
The size and weight of your stroller come down to personal preferences. If you intend to use your travel stroller exclusively for short outings, opting for something ultra-compact and featherlight might be the way to go, even if it means making some compromises. This could mean a stroller that doesn’t fully recline for napping, lacks suspension in the wheels, or doesn’t include a bumper bar or a complete sun canopy.
On the flip side, if you desire all the bells and whistles typically found in an everyday stroller, you might find yourself with a slightly bulkier, less car trunk-friendly option that may not easily fit into overhead compartments. While it’s true that many travel strollers can fit into the overhead bins of planes, it’s worth noting that some airlines may still request you to gate-check your stroller, particularly during crowded flights.
Ease of use
Travel strollers should be user-friendly because no parent wants to grapple with a complicated stroller while on the move. Some of the travel strollers on the market can be unnecessarily intricate when folding them, causing frustration. Others might fold easily but have harness buckles that prove difficult to manage without risking our fingers. If you find yourself with a stroller that lacks intuitive usability, consider returning it and exploring other options. The market offers many choices, and you’ll find one that aligns with your needs.
Comfort and style
When it comes to comfort, consider the experience of the child in the stroller and the adults pushing it. For your little ones, factors like cushioning, foot and calf support, seat adjustability, and secure five-point harnesses should all be on your radar.
For adults, the handle height should be ergonomic or adjustable to suit your needs, and the stroller should feel light and manageable whether you’re pushing it along or lifting it up stairs or storing it away.
Also, you might want to consider added conveniences like cup holders, handy storage compartments, and a spacious under-seat storage area, ensuring that everything you and your child require is within reach.
A travel stroller can be a game-changer for parents who love to explore the world with their little ones. By considering factors like portability, weight capacity, maneuverability, durability, safety features, reclining options, storage space, folding mechanism, travel system compatibility, and your budget, you can make an informed decision and choose a travel stroller that suits your family’s needs perfectly.