10 Things We Hate About Strollers

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. Despite its size it has an excellent ride, a excellent sun canopy and multi-position recline.

This stroller is an excellent value at less than $100. It's small and easy to fold, making it ideal for public transport, or even slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

The key to a good travel stroller is that it must be lightweight and easy to fold. The most popular models we tested can be folded with one hand and sometimes with two pram and car seat fit into overhead compartments for luggage. They also have a good roll and are small enough to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces. Some even offer an adjustable handle for parents of various heights. If you're planning a short trip with a newborn or a long-haul vacation with a toddler, look for a lightweight, easy-to-pack stroller that will make the journey and return -- easier for your family.

To determine the top strollers for traveling, we compared 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 ability to maneuver, its the ease of carrying and folding as well as overall comfort for the child.

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320), which is the easiest to fold of the strollers we've tested and can fit into overhead bins on airplanes. Its seat reclines almost flat and is car seat-compatible which means it's suitable from birth. The car also features an undercarriage with a deep design, a bag-hook on the handle and a UPF50+ canopy that will ensure the safety of your child.

Other great options include the Cybex Orfeo ($320), which has a one-handed, concertina fold that is extremely lightweight. The padded five-point harness crotch strap, and an reversible seat will protect your child with a huge undercarriage basket and a convertible seat will ensure there is space for their belongings. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat. This makes it a viable choice for families that have children from birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed, one-step fold that comes with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the category however, it comes with additional features, including a spacious cupholder and a parent's pocket, a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents of all heights, and a comfortable carrying strap. The simplicity of the model isn't without its drawbacks, when compared to other models in this class.

2. Folding Stroller is easy

A stroller for travel should be easy to shut and open when you're out and about. If you have a bag of groceries or children in your arms you shouldn't have to wrestle with a complicated stroller to close it. Even with just one hand, the most convenient strollers for travel can fold up easily and compactly. Many come with a cushioned strap that can be comfortably placed over your shoulder.

In our tests in our tests, the Libelle stroller scored well for its effortless fold and compactness. But it also has other great features: It can roll smoothly over all surfaces and comes with a huge canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Additionally, it's extremely light and free-standing when folded which makes it easy to store.

We suggest parents who want their stroller to fit in the overhead bins of planes, look for models that claim to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow, for example, fits nicely into the smallest fold, and comes with a convenient travel cover, but it comes with no recliner, and a tiny cargo space that can only hold a small tote bag or diaper bag (no backpacks).

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another option. It folds in a concertina-style, but has a reversible seating position for face-to-face riding or back-to-back riding. Our editor in chief found it a breeze to open and close, although she was not thrilled with the way the handle tucks up behind the seat when folded.

The newest model of stroller that is a travel model is the tri-fold, which folds in thirds and provides the best combination of compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Miniu, as an instance, has a reversible chair with a storage pouch that is not structured in the rear, and a locking latch that keeps it folded. It's slightly larger than the umbrella models from the brand however it folds more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts. It also comes with an adjustable carry strap that can be worn over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The most effective travel strollers fold down into smaller, compact size that you can easily fit in the trunk of your car or into the overhead bin on the plane. Some have a strap that can be used to carry the stroller on your shoulder to ensure that your hands won't be tired. They also tend to be lighter than regular strollers, which could make them easy to lift and carry when you're ready to take a stroll around the neighborhood or to the airport.

When we tested this stroller, it performed extremely well in our tests of durability and was able to maneuver across all kinds of surfaces, from smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. Some of our test subjects found it a bit flimsy, and the handlebar was not cushioned to ensure your hands were comfortably. Another thing to consider is the size of the storage basket is It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents have found it difficult to fit an enormous diaper bag in it.

In general, we recommend calling your airline prior to time to verify their specific guidelines for bringing strollers on board as they may differ. This is crucial when you are planning to check your stroller at the gate. You can then take it on the plane, and then navigate the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent option if you are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. It comes nearly fully assembled right out of the box The only thing you need to do is to snap the bumper bar in the right position. It has a parent cup holder and a back pocket but there isn't a large basket that could make it difficult to carry essentials for a long-distance trip.

If you are frequent travelers, we suggest that you consider a more robust stroller that has more features and the ability to hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Mini, for instance, comes with many of the G-Luxe and G-Link siblings' features, but is more compact and folds faster. It's also slightly sturdier than an umbrella stroller and it comes with a cushioned carrying strap that takes some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Confortable

Strollers are typically used for extended durations of time when traveling, and it is essential to be comfortable. Seats with a lot of padding and a reclining system that can be adjusted to various angles are ideal. Also, consider whether the canopy extends to give protection from the sun, and if it comes with mesh windows to allow airflow. You should consider a model that comes with an organizer for parents and a cupholder as well as a large basket under the seat in case you need to carry things with you. When you are looking for a travel Jogger for older children be sure to verify the age range. Also, think about whether your child is comfortable in the seat, even without a car seat.

It is also crucial to think about how a stroller is rolled. It should be able to move effortlessly across various surfaces that include smooth carpets, hardwoods, cobblestones and gravel. It must also be able to handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. If your travel plans include lots of walking, you should choose an easy stroller to avoid back and leg soreness.

A good quality travel stroller should be easy to use, too. It should be simple to assemble and snap together when put in the proper position. It must also be able to fold flat and fit into the boot of a car or in the overhead compartment of planes. It should also be upright when folded so that you can pick it with one hand while holding your baby in the other.

If you're a parent who's looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for travel the Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It offers several recline positions, which means your child can sleep comfortably. The extensible canopy provides plenty of sun protection with UPF protection. Plus, it comes with lots of extras including a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover are included. Charlotte is delighted the fact that the car seat is suitable for newborns to four years old and doesn't require a separate adapter.