In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Travel adventures or daily fun can be easier with a stroller fit for small spaces and smooth sailing. A compact travel stroller can ease the headache of getting little ones from here to there, providing a pushable place for kids, supplies, napping, and more.
The UPPAbaby Minu v3stood out as a useful and practical travel companion. While it costs more than many competitors, it offers a smooth ride, a compact fold, and enough storage for a full day of fun on the road.
If your adventures are less frequent, we love the more affordable Zoe Traveler. It's lightweight, making it a breeze to get in/out of the car or navigate busy airports.
Since 2013, we've tested more than 400 strollers, including more than 74 travel-friendly models. We purchased 12 compelling travel strollers and put them through intensive side-by-side testing to help you find the right travel stroller for your goals and budget. If you are researching strollers in general, be sure to check out our selection of top strollers of all types.
Editor's Note: We updated this travel stroller review with new versions of travel strollers from Inglesina, Joolz, Stokke, and Joie in September 2026.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Travel Stroller recommendations.
The UPPAbaby Minu v3 is a feature-rich, thoughtfully designed, versatile stroller. It can be used from birth, either with the bassinet-style setup or a compatible infant car seat (adapters sold separately). It has an IATA-approved fold and a built-in carry strap. On flat surfaces, it steers and maneuvers smoothly. Plus, the seat is comfortable for riders and offers a nap-worthy recline. We love the large peek-a-boo window and the generous storage basket, which has one of the highest weight limits at 20 lbs. The materials feel high-quality, which is consistent with the brand's reputation.
The Minu v3 requires a little extra effort to fold, though unfolding is straightforward. It's also heavier than the group average (about 2.7 lbs more), but still lighter than a full-size stroller with similar features. If you're looking for something lighter and more compact, we like the gb Pockit+, one of the lightest and most compact options. The Minu v3 is pricier, making it a potential no-go for those with tighter budgets. The Zoe Traveler is a solid, budget-friendly option if you're shopping on a tighter budget. Overall, the Minu v3 is an impressive stroller. We think it's a feature-filled travel choice and can potentially serve as a primary stroller if you're not going off-road or planning to jog.
The Zoe Traveler is a less expensive, lightweight stroller in a crowd of spendy options. With a measured weight of 13.2 lbs, it is one of the lightest, beaten only by the gb Pockit+ All City and the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It has enough features for everyday use, like a storage bin with a 10 lb capacity, and it still manages to be small enough to be a great traveler. When folded, the Zoe measured 18.6"W x 12"H x 23"L, which is 5,134 cubic inches. It has a good-sized canopy, easy-to-access storage, and is easy to maneuver on most surfaces.
The Zoe has a small seat and not much storage space, so it only fits our medium diaper bag. A larger seat and greater storage capacity are available on the UPPAbaby Minu v3. Although it's more expensive than the Zoe, it could work for daily use or travel, offering better value for your money. Outside of those hiccups, the Zoe remains one of our favorite lightweight choices, and we think the price makes up for whatever it lacks. Depending on your goals, it could be the only stroller you need, but it might not offer enough to replace a full-size option, and it isn't suitable for running or heading off the beaten path.
The gb Pockit+ All City is almost too good at being what it was designed to be. This 13.1 lb stroller folds and folds again like an origami dollar bill, creating the smallest folded volume of 2,215 cubic inches. It is easy to use, easy to fold, and has a carry strap. This version of the Pockit also comes with a slightly better canopy than other Pockits and a small under-seat storage bin with an unknown weight capacity. Our in-house tester said, “This stroller is uber small and kind of cool, but it's almost too small and sort of frustrating.”
The folding super-powers of the Pockit+ also make the frame super flexible and hard to push off the road on grass and gravel. We measured the wheels at 5.1 inches, which are some of the smallest. The Zoe Traveler has larger wheels, a similar weight, and a significantly lower price, but we measured it at 5,134 cubic inches when folded, so it is considerably larger. The gb Pockit+ isn't perfect, but if you travel frequently or need the absolute smallest stroller that won't make you angry, then the Pockit+ is the one we'd choose. However, if you can spare some space, we think some contenders offer better overall performance.
Nothing folds smaller than the gb Pockit+ in this review, but the fold and smaller side have some drawbacks when it comes to performance. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a basic, lightweight stroller with a design and feel most associated with a lightweight or umbrella stroller. It weighs 10.1 lbs, making it one of the lightest options, with a longer fold and a folded volume of 6,327 cubic inches. The Cloud is reasonably priced and easy enough to use, with a 10 lbs storage capacity. Since it's one of the lightest and cheapest stroller, it's easy to see why parents will be curious.
The Kolcraft is not a great stroller and didn't perform that well. Despite its bigger wheels, the flexible frame and soft-wheel materials made it hard to maneuver, even on flat surfaces. It feels outdated compared to competitors. However, we recognize that the prices of the top-ranked strollers could be deal-breakers. Especially if use will be limited. While the Kolcraft did not perform well, we think it could be a good option for short adventures where a small stroller makes things easier, and the budget is tight. If you simply must have a small stroller on a shoestring, then this would be our choice. However, if your budget can stretch or you hope to use it frequently or on longer adventures, we think the Zoe Traveler is the better choice.
While not an ideal travel stroller, the Kolcraft Cloud can fill a niche for the occasional travel plan on the smallest budgets. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Product Comparison Table
Over the years, we have tested various travel strollers, using them for quick errands and long trips. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Since 2013, we have purchased and evaluated over 400 strollers, including more than 74 lightweight travel strollers. We accept no freebies or advertising from manufacturers and purchase each stroller ourselves to ensure complete independence. Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves real-world, day-to-day use and a set of 50 individual lab tests to inform our results.
We tested each stroller through a course that included moving over thresholds and standard doorways. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our travel stroller testing is divided into four rating metrics:
Transporting and Storing (30% overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (30% of weighting)
Maneuverability (20% of weighting)
Quality (10% of weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% of weighting)
We measured each stroller when folded, so you know if it fits in your life. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We handle each stroller from unboxing to in-house lab testing and hours of use to determine which offers the best combination of lightweight design, compact folded size, quality, ease of use, and maneuverability. The weight and folded size most influence this stroller style because finding a compact, travel-friendly product is the primary reason parents consider a travel stroller.
We spend hours testing every aspect of travel strollers, including preparing an outdoor obstacle course. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
This travel stroller review is led by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mother of two. Dr. Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician who uses her experience and medical background to help choose products with safety and functionality in mind. The team also includes our Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of seven. Bob has been on the BabyGearLab team for ten years and has potentially assembled and tested more strollers than anyone on the planet. Bob is a stroller expert with over 435 stroller reviews under his belt across the strollers. A newcomer to the test team is Sentry Kelly. Sentry is a Senior Review Analyst who double majored in applied manufacturing engineering and occupational safety and health management, concentrating in design and automation. As a stroller newbie, Sentry experienced testing and building strollers like new parents do. Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz (mother of 2) completed the team. Wendy has been on the stroller testing team since 2014.
We tested, folded, and pushed each travel stroller to evaluate their performance. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
We tested popular lightweight strollers to determine which were the best. We rated weight and folded size, ease of use, maneuverability, quality, and more to help you find the best lightweight stroller.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
This is typically a secondary stroller, so the prices can feel high for smaller budgets or limited use. If you expect to use the stroller frequently, investing in a higher-quality, more functional, or more user-friendly option is smart. However, cheaper options may be enough if you only need it for a single trip or for use at the airport.
If your budget is tight, the Zoe Traveler offers a lot for a reasonable price. It is easy enough to push and turn, has a giant canopy, and enough storage space for essentials and souvenirs. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 has similar scoring and pricing and shouldn't be ignored, even though it didn't win an award. It is relatively small, lightweight, and easy to use. The UPPAbaby Minu v3 can offer good value over time. While it's among the more expensive options, it's thoughtfully designed with features that enhance usability and remain travel-friendly. It's ideal for parents who stroll on flat surfaces and want a stroller built to last, with an investment that stretches over years, making it a better value. You can use it from birth with a compatible infant car seat or in the bassinet configuration, and it could save you from purchasing a full-size stroller, which is often twice the price. For these reasons, we think it is a good value for some, despite the higher price tag.
While the travel stroller lineup is smaller than traditional strollers, there is variation in the sizes and shapes of each folded package. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The factors that make or break a travel stroller are mainly its weight and how small it folds. We evaluate weight, folded dimensions, and folded volume, so you see where each stroller shines or falls short.
Transporting and Storage
Product
Load/Unload
Folded Size
gb Pockit+ All City
9.0
8.0
Joolz Aer 2
8.0
8.1
UPPAbaby Minu v3
7.5
8.0
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single
7.0
7.3
Zoe Traveler
7.5
6.5
Inglesina Quid 3
8.0
5.6
Summer Infant 3D lite
6.5
6.6
Nuna TRVL
6.8
6.0
Kolcraft Cloud Plus
6.0
5.9
Stokke YOYO 3
4.0
7.6
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
6.0
4.0
Joie Orzo Mini
3.0
6.9
Transporting and storage are the meat and potatoes of any travel stroller, with weight and folded size being particularly important.
We consider extra features that make a stroller easier to lift, carry, and stow, such as carry straps, automatic locking mechanisms, and storage bags.
Each stroller in our review is measured the same way, using the same device, by the same tester for a true apples-to-apples comparison. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Measured Weight
We measure each stroller fully assembled, using the same method for every stroller.
Some products are heavy, making them harder to carry. Others are lightweight but become longer when folded. If a lightweight travel stroller is your priority, this is an important sub-metric to consider.
The lightest stroller is the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, weighing just 10.1 lbs. The average weight is about 14 lbs. The heaviest is the UPPAbaby Minu v3, at 16.7 lbs.
We measured the dimensions of all of the folded strollers to give you a better idea of where and how they might fit in your life. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Folded Volume
We measure each folded stroller's length, height, and width to determine its volume. The goal is to show how well the strollers fit in car trunks, closets, or other tight spaces. Smaller strollers are generally easier to store and carry, making your life a bit easier. On the other hand, larger ones might need more space and consideration.
The gb Pockit+ All City is the most compact, with a fold volume of just 2,215 cubic inches. The UPPAbaby Minu v3 is close to the average (about 4,000 cu in), folding down to about 3,497 cubic inches. Meanwhile, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe has the largest fold, at 9,834 cubic inches, because it has a long, more umbrella-like fold.
The gb Pockit+ folds small and is very light. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Transporting and Storage Results
Our testing consists of objective measurements, like weight and size, along with subjective feedback from multiple testers who lift and stow each stroller in cars, overhead bins, or other tight spaces.
The highest-scoring product for transporting and storing is the gb Pockit+ All-City. It's ridiculously small and pretty lightweight. It has a measured folded volume of 2,215 cubic inches in our tests with dimensions of 13"W x 8"H x 21.3"L, and weighs in at 13.1 lbs. This is lighter than many and below the group average of 14 lbs. It fits darn near anywhere you might need it to go. Thanks to its locking mechanism, it stays folded when you pick it up, and it comes with a travel bag to help keep it protected in the overhead bin or the back of your car.
The G-Luxe fold is long and narrow, which may pose challenges in spaces with limited length or height, like overhead bins. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe earned the lowest score and struggled to compete. It weighs 16.1 lbs, which is heavier than the group's average of 14 lbs, though not the heaviest. It folds like a traditional umbrella stroller and has a folded volume of 9,834 cubic inches, making it one of the largest when folded. This fold style hurt its score because finding a place to put it is more challenging. The Joie Orzo Mini is also problematic because it lacks a locking mechanism, making it prone to opening depending on how you grip it. And even if you figure out how not to grip it in the wrong place, baggage handlers will take no such care, and it is likely to open unexpectedly if you check it on a plane. And it is so big that you will need to check it.
The Minu performs well in terms of ease of use. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Ease of use encompasses daily experience and the features that make a product easier to use or potentially versatile.
Ease of Use
Product
Fold/Unfold
Storage
Harness
Brakes
UPPAbaby Minu v3
8.0
7.5
8.5
9.0
Joolz Aer 2
8.5
7.0
8.0
9.0
gb Pockit+ All City
8.0
6.5
9.0
8.0
Nuna TRVL
9.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
7.0
6.0
8.5
8.0
Zoe Traveler
8.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Joie Orzo Mini
4.0
8.0
7.5
7.5
Summer Infant 3D lite
6.5
5.0
6.5
6.0
Kolcraft Cloud Plus
7.0
6.5
5.0
5.0
Inglesina Quid 3
6.0
5.0
2.5
7.0
Stokke YOYO 3
2.0
3.0
7.0
5.0
Ease of use is comprised of aspects that impact your everyday use of a stroller, including folding, storage, the harness features, and brakes.
Fold and Unfold
We fold, pick up, put down, unfold, and stroll with all the strollers. We note which can be folded one-handed (with a diaper bag in your other arm or a baby on the hip) and which have convenient features like a self-stand or automatic lock.
Travel strollers should be quick to fold and straightforward to operate. While a compact fold is essential, executing the fold quickly and without complications is also important. We favor products that fold with one hand and have fewer steps. Strollers that lock automatically or stand on their own earn extra points.
The Summer Infant 3D lite folds more like a traditional umbrella stroller and includes a release latch and auto-lock clasp to keep it folded. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Several strollers are easy to fold and unfold, but the Nuna TRVL stands out. It has one-handed folding and unfolding, can self-stand, and locks to prevent opening or shifting during transport. The most challenging to fold and unfold in our tests was the Stokke YOYO 3. This isn't a hard option to manipulate, but the process is convoluted and harder than it should be. The method requires two hands and includes reaching under the seat to blindly locate a latch and a tiny button, then pulling up on a handle that you can't see. It doesn't want to fold on its own, and all the fabric ends up bunched. Unfolding requires two hands, and the noises it makes lead one to believe it's breaking.
The Summer Infant storage bin is small, and the access disappears when the seat is reclined. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Onboard Storage
The amount of useful stroller storage greatly influences its ease of use. The main storage area is typically an under-seat bin, and we look at the size and accessibility by attempting to slide diaper bags in when they are stuffed to the max. We also consider additional storage features such as parent pockets, cup holders, and child trays.
Strollers not listed had storage bins without a specified maximum weight capacity by the manufacturer.
Most of the products offer some storage, but the main differences are in how much and where. The traditional underseat storage can vary widely in size, weight capacity, and ease of access. Several options did not include their maximum storage capacity, so you won't see them in the chart above.
The Minu's storage basket can hold up to 20 lbs. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The UPPAbaby Minu v3 has a large storage bin with a generous weight limit of 20 lbs, one of the highest. Its main drawback is limited basket access, especially compared to wider openings. However, we like the small, discreet pocket inside the main bin designed for an AirTag. It's a clever and unique feature we haven't seen before.
Another impressive contender is the Nuna TRVL. It features a large storage bin that can hold a large diaper bag, but the medium size is even easier to slide in and pull out, and we love how accessible the storage area is. The maximum allowed storage capacity is 10 lbs, which is on the lower end of the group, especially compared to a stroller like the Minu v3. However, we believe that the long, wide opening compensates for this.
The most disappointing storage is found on the Summer Infant 3D lite and the Inglesina Quid 3. Both have harder-to-access bins and a smaller size, respectively. The Summer Infant is even harder to access, with small openings that become useless when the seat is reclined.
The gb Pockit+ features one of our favorite harnesses. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
Most of the products in this review have 5-point harnesses, but different adjustability methods. We check each buckle's stiffness and note if straps have padding, abrasive fabric, or webbing.
We looked at how difficult it is to adjust the straps for height and correct fit, and how challenging it is to use the buckle. We included whether the product has an adjustable crotch strap and if the lowest shoulder height will work for smaller babies.
The Minu v3 harness material is smooth, and the adjustable straps are easy to use. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The easiest harness is on the gb Pockit+ All City. It has smooth webbing, easy adjustments, including shoulder height changes, easy-to-operate buckle, and padding for comfort. The worst harness in the group is on the Inglesina Quid 3, which has stiff straps, and the buckles are hard to move. Also, it advertises three shoulder harness adjustments and has an opening in the seat for a third setting, but there is no third hole in the seat's hard back support. A noteworthy contender is the harness tightening system on the Joolz Aer 2. The tightening straps are under the seat bottom behind the leg rest. They work in a similar fashion to the tightening strap on car seats. We think the idea is unique and see why parents might find it intriguing. However, a toddler throwing a tantrum and flailing about is likely to kick you right in the face if you bend down to reach the tightening straps. Feels like a deal-breaker to us.
The double-action Kolcraft brakes are hard to release with a lifting pedal that uses the top of your foot. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
All the brakes work. We did not experience any faulty brakes or accidental releases in our testing. However, some of the brakes are much easier to operate than others. Good brakes should be easy to set and release, and pain-free for sandal-wearing feet. Color coding is also a plus. The brakes should engage without sticking or feeling locked if they aren't.
Some travel options have double-action brakes requiring pressing two pedals for brake engagement. We worry that parents will forget or intentionally skip engaging a pedal, which could lead to preventable accidents or injuries. The double-action brake models in this lineup include the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D lite. We prefer single-action brakes that only require one pedal to set.
Showing the color-coded brakes on the UPPAbaby G-Luxe.
Easy-to-set and release single-action brakes, with a sandal foot-friendly design, were found on the gb Pockit+ All City, UPPAbaby G-Luxe, Zoe Traveler, and UPPAbaby Minu v3. Both UPPAbaby strollers have color-coded pedals, making it easy to identify which is pressed.
Adequate storage is essential for any outing, and the Zoe Traveler has easy access to boot. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
Typically, products that are easier to use are suitable for a wider variety of activities or make life easier. A larger storage bin could translate to grocery shopping or an unexpected trip to a farmer's market. Alternatively, a quick fold can make a stroller better for commuting when speed and space are typically prized over bells and whistles.
The brakes should be easy to set and release, like this rocker pedal found on the gb Pockit+ All City. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The strollers with the highest ease of use scores are the Joolz Aer 2 and UPPAbaby Minu v3. In contrast, the most challenging option is the Stokke YOYO 3, with features that feel clunky and less user-friendly to operate.
The gb Pockit+ All-City requires no assembly, making it one of the easier options to set up. Credit: Sentry Kelly
Ease of Setup
Most of the strollers in our lineup arrived almost fully assembled. They typically only needed the wheels, canopies, or sometimes the seat to be attached. None required full assembly, but the time to build them ranged from 3 to 15 minutes.
The Stokke YOYO 3 assembly is far and away the most time-consuming of all the strollers we tested. Credit: Austin Palmer
The hardest stroller to assemble is the Stokke YOYO 3, which took us about 25 minutes. It was slower because the written and picture instructions were not close together; this wasted considerable time. At times, the instructions were confusing, and the assembly process felt more convoluted than necessary. The canopy attaches to a piece that doesn't stick up high enough to make this easy, and the padded insert needs to be put on just right or the straps won't feed through correctly, particularly the crotch buckle. In contrast, the gb Pockit+ All City and the Joolz Aer 2 come fully assembled; remove the packaging, and you are ready to go. If you loathe putting things together, it doesn't get easier than this.
Some strollers are compatible with specific car seats, some need an adapter, and others don't accommodate any. The Nuna TRVL only fits Nuna PIPA seats. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Car Seat Compatibility
If your travel stroller will be your main stroller or used to carry infants, choosing one that works with an infant car seat is key. Luckily, there are more to choose from than ever before.
We know many parents will be looking to use a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller with their infant car seat of choice. The following strollers accept at least one infant car seat make and model (some are compatible with multiple makes and models): Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single, gb Pockit+ All City, UPPAbaby Minu v3, Joolz Aer 2, and Nuna TRVL.
Newborn and Infant Strolling
Although some travel strollers claim to be suitable for newborns and infants, we do not recommend using one for children under six months unless it is compatible with a click-in infant car seat carrier.
Why?
This stroller type offers few features for infants and fails to provide the support and protection we believe babies who lack head and neck control need. Unless the stroller accepts an infant car seat, we don't think you should use it for children under six months. Ever. For safety, always watch your baby and regularly check to ensure the position and adjustment of the harness are correct. Check with your pediatrician and the owner's manual for more information.
The Aer 2 easily navigates average off-road terrain much better than expected for a travel stroller. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
We believe maneuverability can make or break whether you love (or use) your stroller.
Maneuverability
Product
Flat Surfaces
Off-Road
Curbs
Nuna TRVL
9.0
9.0
8.5
UPPAbaby Minu v3
8.0
7.0
7.0
Joolz Aer 2
5.0
8.3
8.0
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single
7.0
7.0
6.0
Zoe Traveler
7.0
7.0
6.0
Stokke YOYO 3
6.0
6.5
7.0
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
7.0
5.5
6.0
Inglesina Quid 3
7.0
7.5
4.0
Kolcraft Cloud Plus
5.0
5.0
6.0
gb Pockit+ All City
6.0
5.0
4.0
Summer Infant 3D lite
4.0
4.0
6.0
Joie Orzo Mini
7.0
3.0
2.0
Most options move best on flat and hard surfaces, but those with less frame flex and larger wheels better manage grass and gravel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Depending on the journey and the terrain you'll cover, the travel stroller you choose can make a big difference in getting your little one where you want to go, frustration-free. Some of the products were easy to push and turn, while others felt clunky and struggled over grass and gravel.
We enjoyed pushing the Nuna TRVL. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Flat Surfaces
While we assumed most strollers would struggle on grass and gravel, we were surprised that some had difficulty on flat surfaces. The products that struggled were those with smaller wheels, fake-tread “tires,” and dual-front-wheel designs (2 wheels on one leg). Products with single front wheels and larger wheels performed better than most.
The double wheel per front leg design of the Kolcraft causes the wheels to wobble as they get pulled this way and that. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest to push and turn on hard, flat surfaces was the Nuna TRVL. It cruised over indoor flooring with ease and made precise turns. The Summer Infant 3D lite performed the worst with the double front wheels on each leg design that causes all kinds of handling problems and difficulty moving off flat surfaces. It has soft plastic wheels with fake tread and is unimpressive in most ways.
Not all strollers excel at moving off the beaten path. The Joie Orzo's disappointing tires and flexing frame made it less than ideal for anything but flat surfaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Off-Road
While most travel strollers don't see much off-road action (and with good reason), you might want to push it a short distance over grass at a park or gravel at a zoo. Most of the strollers were not smooth sailing when pushing off flat surfaces. The Joie Orzo Mini was challenging due to the lack of tread on the tires, which contributed to it stopping in its tracks on any small bump or obstacle. The only one that did fairly well was the Nuna TRVL. Although a bit jerky, it adequately handled grass and dirt roads, especially with the front wheels in fixed mode. But if you're planning a lot of off-the-beaten-path adventures, you'll likely want a different stroller style; jogging strollers are known for their all-terrain prowess, and at least one of them folds pretty small, though not travel stroller small.
The Summer Infant struggled in our tests for maneuverability, which could result from the poor multi-wheel design on a single-leg. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Maneuverability
All lightweight options lack the superior maneuverability of other stroller types, but a few were better than the competition.
The Nuna TRVL handles hard, flat surfaces really well. Its sturdy frame, along with the size of its front and rear wheels, makes it easier to move through grass and gravel without too much trouble. The Summer Infant faced some challenges with this particular metric, mainly because it has plastic wheels on all four legs, making a total of eight wheels. As a result, the wheels frequently caught on minor imperfections in the pushing surfaces, such as cracks and pebbles.
Each stroller varies in quality, and we carefully examine the materials, joints, and overall construction to evaluate it. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Quality
Quality often indicates how well a product will perform over time. If it uses durable fabric, has a solid frame with few connections and folding points, and has dense wheels, it could result in a better everyday experience that can translate into long-term use or more frequent use.
We consider a product's construction, materials, and durability, and how they may hold up over time in terms of quality.
The fabric quality, how it feels, and how well it fits on the stroller frame can vary between strollers. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Fabric
The stroller's fabric is important for many reasons. Being skin-friendly and comfy on bare skin is one. Another is being easy to clean for inevitable messes, and last, being durable to avoid wear and tear. The gb Pockit+ All City and the UPPAbaby Minu v3 feature super soft material that fits the frames well, while being functional and taut enough to avoid a sloppy appearance. The most lackluster options are the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, Joie Orzo Mini, and the Summer Infant 3D lite. All three have rougher canvas-type material that could chafe bare legs, and the Summer feels like it could easily tear, or a snag could get bigger quickly.
The Joie Orzo has wheels that feel cheap and have no tread. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wheels
Larger wheels are typically better for maneuverability, and dense wheels win out over softer plastic that could dent or deform over time. While wheels might be the last thing you consider when purchasing a travel stroller, they could arguably be the make-or-break component of your pushing experience. The best wheels in the review are those on the UPPAbaby Minu v3. They are polyurethane, slightly larger in the rear than the front, helping create a smooth ride.
It is easy to see the poor wheel design on the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus, Joie Orzo Mini, and the Summer Infant are the worst in the group. All three have soft plastic wheels with no tread that easily dents. They feel flimsy and cheap, as if they might not last long enough for a summer vacation.
Because this style of stroller folds small, it means more fold points and connectors on the frame, which can impact the overall frame quality and even how easy it is to push. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame
The quality of a travel stroller's frame affects how easy it is to push and how much flex and bending occur when maneuvering through crowded or tight spaces. Because travel strollers are designed to fold small and be lightweight, their frames often feel flimsy and less sturdy than those of other stroller types. A great example is the gb Pockit+ All City, which has a unique fold that requires many joints in the frame. The excessive joints resulted in a rattly final product when pushing. The best frames in the group are on the UPPAbaby Minu v3 and the Joolz Aer 2. Both options have sturdy frames with little flex and fewer visible connections or distracting components.
The Summer Infant is one of the cheapest options and the lowest quality. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Quality
The look and feel of the materials, design, and performance indicate the quality level of the construction and components. Other considerations include frame flex, wobbly wheels, exposed fasteners, errant stitches, and loose connections.
The UPPAbaby Minu v3 stands out as a top contender in our quality testing. While high prices don't always equal better quality, they often do. The materials and design are excellent, coming together to create a sturdy feel and a nice finish. It features soft fabrics, little frame flex, and thoughtful design for maneuverability and comfort. The lowest score in our quality tests goes to the Summer Infant 3D lite, which has flimsy plastic wheels, a flexy frame, lots of visible fasteners and rivets, and double-action brakes. It simply can't hold a candle to the higher-priced options.
Our little tester enjoyed riding in the Nuna TRVL. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Kid Comfort
Having a fussy kid who needs a nap while traveling can kill the fun of seeing the sights. Providing a place to sit comfortably or nap can help soothe the savage beast who is out of their element and off their schedule.
Kid Comfort
Product
Recline
Canopy
Leg Rest
UPPAbaby Minu v3
9.0
9.5
7.5
Joolz Aer 2
8.0
8.5
8.0
Zoe Traveler
7.0
9.0
7.0
Inglesina Quid 3
8.0
8.5
6.5
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Single
8.0
7.0
7.5
Nuna TRVL
6.5
7.0
8.5
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
7.0
7.5
6.0
gb Pockit+ All City
6.0
6.5
6.0
Stokke YOYO 3
5.0
8.0
4.0
Joie Orzo Mini
6.0
6.0
4.0
Kolcraft Cloud Plus
5.0
4.5
4.0
Summer Infant 3D lite
5.0
4.0
3.0
We evaluate the seat, leg rest, and canopy, and how these features function with respect to this metric.
You need to unzip the back of the seat on the Aer 2 to recline. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Recline and Leg Rest
A reclining seatback and an adjustable legrest are useful features for keeping passengers comfy. Napping and staying comfortable can make the difference between a successful journey and an epic disaster. We measure recline angles, note the presence of an adjustable leg rest, check the footrest size, and rate seat padding.
Each stroller offers varying recline levels.
Unfortunately, finding a comfortable seat for lightweight strollers is harder than you'd think. Some contenders offer a reclining seatback but lack an adjustable legrest; a few include both, and some don't have either. Some of the recline angles are shallow and not as nap-worthy as others. Depending on the sort of trip you take, a straightforward option without comfort features may suffice, but if you're going to the zoo for the whole day, the trip will be much easier if your little one can snooze as the day progresses or when it gets hot.
The Summer Infant has a deeper recline, but the abrupt ending of the leg rest and smaller canopy aren't as comfortable for the passenger and other strollers we tested. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby Minu v3 really shines in terms of seating comfort. It features a soft, cozy seat along with a nice, relaxing recline. Adjusting the recline is simple, and the leg rest is nicely padded and sufficient, making it perfect for napping. The least comfortable seating arrangement is the Summer Infant 3D lite. This option reclines but covers the storage bin when you do. There is no leg rest to speak of, and the footrest is floppy and could end up useless or damaged.
Canopies vary between strollers, and some can be extended for extra coverage. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Canopy
While all the products offer sunshades, some have small sunshades, and many lack peek-a-boo windows. We consider the UPF rating, the shade size, and whether it has a peek-a-boo window. Ultimately, we assess how effectively a sunshade protects a baby from the elements.
You can fold up and secure the peek-a-boo flap on the Minu v3. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The UPPAbaby Minu v3 features an excellent canopy. Its fabric is water-repellent, and the canopy is large, providing ample coverage for the passenger. It also includes a sizable mesh peek-a-boo window. Alternatively, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and Summer Infant 3D lite have small polyester sunshades that offer little coverage. The Kolcraft features a mesh peek-a-boo window, but the Summer Infant does not.
The Minu v3 has a comfortable seat, nap-worthy recline, and ample shade under the canopy. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Overall Kid Comfort
Keeping little ones comfortable can make or break any outing. We preferred strollers where little ones could be cozy, potentially take naps, and stay out of the sun and other weather events.
In our testing, the UPPAbaby Minu v3 truly shines at keeping kids comfortable. On the other hand, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus and the Summer Infant 3D Lite didn't perform as well.
Choosing a great travel stroller doesn't have to be a chore or guessing game. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Finding the best travel stroller can be frustrating, as they are not all created equal, and the price range is wide. However, if you ask yourself some key questions, you can narrow the field to a couple that meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Do you need a travel stroller?
The short answer is no; most families don't need a travel-specific option. The long answer is more complicated. In our experience, most lightweight strollers create frustrating circumstances where the benefits don't outweigh the issues of limited storage, poor maneuverability, or a lack of comfort features. Most traveling families (in our experience) say they'd rather have a full-size stroller than smaller options for the convenience and ease of pushing. Given that both will be a challenge through airport security and might need to be checked when you get to the plane, we see their point. Also, most parents will prefer a larger stroller when they reach their destination. So, while we understand the idea of a travel stroller can be appealing, we aren't sold on the idea that everyone needs one and encourage you to consider your situation carefully before shelling out the extra cash.
Where you plan to stroll can impact your choice of which travel stroller to buy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Where Will You Stroll
Knowing where you plan to use your stroller makes a big difference in the kind of stroller you choose. If you only need it for inside pushing at the museum or the airport, then maneuverability might take a back seat to child comfort, and smaller wheels will be acceptable. Alternatively, if you plan to use your stroller on a world tour, then features and ease of pushing might take a bigger role in your search.
Longer strolling can create the need for more or better features. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Long and How Often
Determining how long your trip might be and how often you might be using the stroller is important. If it is used frequently, finding a quality option with the features you need for comfort and convenience will be key. If you only need it for a one-off trip, you might get away with a lower-quality option with fewer features to save some money. You might even determine that a full-size stroller is a better choice if it looks like it will be used frequently.
Pick Your Budget
The travel stroller category has a price range that spans several hundred dollars. A high-priced option might be a no-go, especially if it is a second or third stroller you add to your lineup. While we know budgets can be tight, we recommend taking a hard look to ensure you even need a travel stroller at all, and if you do, ask yourself if you can get by with a slightly less flashy option to meet your needs and save your wallet.
We've tested more than 50 strollers suitable for travel since 2014. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Finding a useful travel stroller for travel or commuting doesn't have to be confusing. Our comprehensive review offers impressive lightweight and travel strollers for consideration. Whatever your goals or budget, we believe our test results and details can help you narrow your options and choose the best stroller for your needs. Between our award selections and the higher-ranking strollers, we believe there is a lightweight stroller (or two) that can meet most needs.
