Best Travel Strollers in 2021

Best for the Money: Summer Infant 3D Mini Umbrella Stroller

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Coming in at under $50, the Summer Infant 3D Mini Umbrella stroller is hands-down the best for your money.

This comfortable stroller comes with a padded seat and a multi-level reclining seat. It keeps your child secure with a five-point harness and rear wheel breaks.

Storage includes an under-the-seat basket, a pouch, and two cup holders for all your travel gear.

The Summer Infant 3D Mini comes in at under 11lbs and folds up nicely for small areas.

Summer Infant 3D Mini Umbrella Stroller Pros

• Large canopy: The canopy is big enough to block out sun or rain.
• Multiple storage options: The cup holders, pouches, and storage basket give you plenty of room. You can keep everything you need close including baby food, travel accessories, and diapers.
• Price: You get a lot of bang for your buck with this inexpensive travel stroller.
• Reclining seat: Your child will be comfortable in this seat.

Summer Infant 3D Mini Umbrella Stroller Cons

• Maximum child weight: This stroller is for infants, so the maximum weight is 45lbs.

Best Features: Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller

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Kolocraft’s Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller combines the best features for the parents with safety and comfort features for the child. This stroller is one of the best if you love extra features.

This particular model has a roomy storage compartment for the biggest diaper bags. It also comes with two cup holders and an extra storage pocket, which are great for things like walking around theme parks or going on a city tour.

At 11.8 pounds, the Kolocraft is considerably light with all these features. This weight is rare in even the best strollers.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller Pros

• Easy one-hand fold: Folding and unfolding can be difficult with some strollers. This stroller makes it easy to hold your baby or toddler in one hand and the stroller in the other.
• Five-point harness: The Kolocraft Cloud Plus has a five-point harness that is great for fidgety toddlers. The harness is also secure for unexpected bumps in the road.
• Good storage: The storage compartment, cup holders, and storage pockets are excellent if you need a lot with you.
• Large canopy: You can keep an eye on your child through the peek-a-boo window on the generous canopy that keeps the sun away.
• Price: You get a lot for the money.
• Reclining seat: This feature will ensure your child gets a comfy nap.

Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller Cons

• None!: We love this! It’s truly one of the best travel options available.

Best for Air Travel: Besrey Baby Stroller

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For your air travel needs, check out the Besrey baby stroller.

This foldable stroller is designed to fit in the overhead bins of an airplane.

The stroller’s convenient one-button folding system lets you pull the stroller like carry-on luggage. The stroller stands up on its own too. This feature makes it easy to carry a baby in one hand and the stroller in another.

The Besrey also has all the comfort features for baby, including adjustable backrest and footrests, a large canopy with a peek-a-boo window, and a padded five-point harness to keep baby safe.

As a bonus, it comes with a rain cover! It’s perfect for any family vacation.

Besrey Baby Stroller Pros

• Large canopy with peek-a-boo window: The window lets you keep an eye on your child even when the canopy is up.
• One-hand folding: This feature is helpful when your other hands are busy holding your child.
• Overhead compartment sized: One of the reasons that this is among the best strollers is because you can fold it up and put it in the overhead bins of an airplane. The size saves you a lot of hassle while you travel.

Besrey Baby Stroller Cons

• Heavier than most: At 15 lbs, this stroller isn’t as light as other options.
• Less affordable: While this is a great stroller at a good value, others on our list are less expensive.

Best for Twins: J is for Jeep Brand Scout Double Stroller

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If you are traveling with twins or two children who are close in age, you will need a stroller that fits both of them.

The biggest question when choosing a double stroller is if you want one that is side by side or one that is single file:

• Side-by-side strollers usually have the same features on both sides. Both seats recline the same way and have the same amount of storage. On the downside, the width of the stroller makes it harder to get through narrow doors or hallways.
• Single file or tandem strollers are narrower. The size makes it easier to get through doors. However, depending on how it’s set up, it’s harder for the parent to access the child that is sitting the furthest. Some of the single-file strollers may not have the same features on both seats.

J is for Jeep Brand Scout Double Stroller wins in this category by being the best of both worlds.

The stroller has front swivel wheels and a suspension system. The multi-level reclining seats are helpful for nap time.

J is for Jeep Brand Scout Double Stroller Pros

• Compact when folded: Some double strollers are bulky even when folded. This one is more compact.
• Doorway sized: This stroller will fit through 30″ doorways. Some double strollers can be hard to get through doors. You won’t have to worry about most doors with this option.
• Large canopy: This stroller has a sun canopy to cover both babies. Plus, the reflective material makes sure the stroller is visible at night.
• Parent cup holder: You can keep your drink close at hand. This feature is particularly helpful when you’re traveling.
• Weight limits: This stroller fits children up to three-years-old. The ability to use this stroller for several years can save you money in the long run. You won’t need to buy new strollers as your children age.

J is for Jeep Brand Scout Double Stroller Cons

• Bag storage: Basket storage tends to be more convenient and keeps things out the way. This stroller will fit whatever diaper bags or travel bags you need.
• Weight: This stroller weights 18.5 lbs. This weight is understandable for a double stroller. Sadly, it can sometimes be hard to carry if you’re carrying children too.

Best Lightweight: GB Pockit

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Would you believe that there is a travel stroller that could fold up so small that it could fit in a large purse? Well, here it is!

The GB Pockit wins for best lightweight stroller weighing in at only 9.5 pounds. It folds down to 11.8”x7”x13.8 inches.

Yes, it can fit into a large purse. It will have no trouble fitting in a compartment on a plane, train, or in a compact car. GB sells a bag you can put it in, or you can use a different cover to store the stroller while you travel.

Even though it is lightweight and compact, it is strong enough to hold a child up to 55lbs.

However, the lightweight and compact features, you do give up some of the other features that other travel strollers provide. The storage basket is small and won’t accommodate much more than a diaper bag.

GB Pockit Stroller Pros

• Five-point harness: The sturdy five-point harness keeps babies safe and includes a quick-release button.
• Lightweight materials: This stroller is only 9.5 pounds. However, it can hold up to 55 lbs.
• Most compact stroller: The BG Pocket holds the 2014 Guinness World Record for the most compact stroller.
• Two-step folding: Unlike some strollers that have complicated steps to fold it, this stroller keeps it simple.

GB Pockit Stroller Cons

• Small canopy: Other travel strollers have a generous canopy that practically engulfs baby for sun protection. The GB Pockit only has a sunshade that lies horizontally.
• Small storage: If you carry a lot of items with you, you might not have enough storage space.

Best Travel Stroller Features

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The features of travel strollers slightly differ from everyday strollers.

Notably, you will want something lightweight and compact that has enough storage for all your travel accessories.

You also need a stroller that will work with the situations you will experience. For example, if you are traveling on a plane, you may want a stroller that can fit in the overhead compartment?

Technology and design have come a long way, and these travel strollers are pretty impressive!

Here are some features to consider when you’re choosing the best stroller for your needs:

• Comfort: A reclining seat and a comfortable canopy can keep your child comfortable.
• Folding: Can it be folded with one hand? Is the process simple, or will it take you a few minutes?
• Price: Prices generally range from $45 – $1,400
• Safety harness: This can range from two points through five points
• Storage: Check for diaper bag storage, cup holders, and snack trays if those features are important to you.
• Weight and size: The lighter and smaller the stroller is, the better.
• Weight of child: All strollers have a weight limit. If you have multiple children, can your stroller support all the children who need it?

Looking at these features can help you decide what items are most important to you.

Even the best options might not have everything you want. Prioritize your list based on your most essential needs.

Types of Travel Strollers

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There are two types of strollers most commonly used when people are traveling: umbrella strollers or fold-up strollers.

Other types of strollers are available. Understand the differences to decide what you need.

Check out the main types of strollers below.

Umbrella Strollers

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Umbrella strollers are called this because they fold up compactly like an umbrella does.

The compact size makes this type convenient for travel. However, these strollers usually give up the features of a regular stroller to make them more lightweight. Some of these lost features include reclining back for napping, full canopy to shield baby from the sun or useful storage compartments.

Umbrella strollers are useful for transferring kids back and forth through airports or parks.

Size and Weight

Umbrella strollers typically weigh less than 15 pounds.

Anything over than this defeats the purpose of having something lightweight for travel. Some umbrella strollers are as light as 9.5 pounds!

To figure out what size you need, try to determine the tightest space you need the stroller to fit in. Is it in the back of a compact car, or does it need to go in the overhead compartment of an airplane if you need air travel?

Items in overhead compartments generally should not exceed 45 inches total (combining length, with and height).

The GB Pockit mentioned above measures 11.8 inches x 7 inches x 13.8 inches. That means 33 inches total, way below the 45 inches that most airlines accept. That’s why it fits into a large purse.

Specific airlines including JetBlue, U.S. Airways, American Airlines and United all note that a folded stroller can’t exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters (including handles and wheels). Anything else will need to be gate checked.

Ease of Use

Umbrella strollers are generally easier to use and maneuver because they are made to be lightweight and fold quickly.

These strollers need to be able to be carried with one hand because either you are carrying a baby or holding a toddler’s hand.

Cost

Umbrella strollers come in many different price ranges.

You can buy one as cheap as 14 dollars or as expensive as 200 dollars. Many of the best umbrella strollers can have extra features and fit in the middle of this price range.

The first thing you need to consider before choosing a stroller is the weight of the child.

An inexpensive umbrella stroller with no seat reclines, canopy, and a one-point belt will only take the weight of a 40-pound child. A higher-end stroller can handle as much as 55 pounds.

Fold-Up Strollers

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An easy-to-fold stroller isn’t necessarily made for traveling and can have more features than an umbrella stroller.

These strollers make for great everyday options for going to the park or grocery shopping.

Features you want to look more in a folder stroller are comfort extras like reclining and storage space. Look for removable cushions and snack trays for easy cleaning.

Size and Weight

Due to the additional features, a fold-up stroller will typically weigh more and be bulkier than an umbrella stroller.

Fold-up strollers can weigh anywhere from 15 pounds to up to 35 pounds.

However, fold-up strollers can usually handle much more weight than an umbrella stroller can. The additional weight limits make fold-up strollers excellent for older children.

These lightweight strollers for travel may not be the best everyday stroller, but it’ll help get you and your babies and toddlers to the right places.

Ease of Use

Easy maneuvering is made possible by swivel wheels on most strollers.

Also, look for features like an adjustable height for the handlebar. This feature will ensure it’s comfortable to push.

Cost

The cost can vary in this category.

A City Mini by Baby Jogger can cost as low as $250 while a Bugaboo Donkey that converts as your child grows can cost up to $1,300.

Frame Strollers

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If your baby is still in an infant car seat, you might want to consider a frame stroller. These strollers let you snap the baby’s car seat onto a structure to turn it into a stroller.

Car seat compatible strollers are arguably one of the best additions to the stroller world.

Why? Because it lets you move baby from the car to the stroller without ever taking them out of the seat and waking them up.

This feature is a lifesaver for when you want your baby to sleep or when you are moving from plane to train to a car.

Baby Trend makes the universal Snap-N-Go that you can use with almost any car seat brand. However, individual baby stroller brands also sell frame strollers.

You should consider this option when you shop for a car seat. Because the car seats take up most of the space, the storage area for frame strollers is suitable for most people.

These strollers can sometimes adapt from infant car seats to seats for older children.

There are also double frame strollers for twins!

Luxury Strollers

Bugaboo

If you are considering the Rolls Royce of strollers, check out brands such as UPPABaby or Bugaboo.

These brands make super sleek strollers with lots of additional features.

For example, Bugaboo offers:

• Adjustable handlebar
• One hand recline
• Removable liners
• Reversible seat (can face forward or toward the parent)
• Toddler seats
• Two-wheel beach mode for pushing through the sand!

Some of the systems accommodate up to three kids without growing wider. These features clearly can make some excellent options.

But of course, these cool features come at a price.

They can cost as much as 1,400 dollars. Before you spend that much, make sure that these strollers fit your needs and will grow with your child.

Additional Stroller Options for Traveling With Children

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These days, there are some other options for carrying a child while traveling.

Family travel guides suggest other options if a stroller won’t meet your needs.

Seat Attachments

A different type of travel stroller option could be Lugabug.

This particular item is more like an attachment for your luggage. The accessory has a seat that the child can sit on. It also acts as a seat for the child when propped on the floor. This seat is great for waiting in lines or camping.

The best thing about the Lugabug is that you don’t have to push a stroller and luggage at the same time!

The Lugabug is compact, and you can either put it away flat or fold it up like a tube. It is only 1.1 pounds on its own!

Travelers recommend the Lugabug for toddlers over two-years-old who weight up to 60 pounds.

This type of attachment isn’t an option for a sleeping toddler and doesn’t have storage like a regular stroller. It’s strictly for getting a child from point A to point B quickly.

Riding Options

Similar to the Lugabug type of attachment, you could also consider luggage that kids can ride on.

Products like Trunkie are a great example. This bag has storage for snacks and toys, kids can pull the luggage themselves, or children can sit on it and have an adult pull them!

It weighs under five pounds and can fit in an overhead compartment on an airplane.

The Trunki can handle up to 75 pounds and comes in a variety of fun colors. This option is excellent for when your kids age out of strollers.

Haveseen / Shutterstock

There are many options when it comes to traveling with children. With advances in design, you can get most of the basic features even with the smallest, most lightweight travel strollers.

Consider your lifestyle first, then use these guides to help your decision making when choosing from the best travel strollers available.

About the Author

Arianny is the creator of Prep and Shine, which focuses on being prepared for all of life’s wonderful moments.

From preparing meals for the week ahead to preparing for our next family vacation, you can find it here. She also has an extensive library of homemade baby food and food allergy tips because her daughter was born allergic to eight foods.

Arianny is a Fordham graduate and has an extensive background in television marketing. She’s worked for History, A&E, Lifetime, and is currently Sr. Manager of Creative Operations at truTV.

Her international television experience has given her incredible experiences, and she hopes to expose her children to the world in the same way. Her children have had passports since they were six-months-old and the family also speaks Spanish.

Check out her favorite recipes, family tips, and travel strategies that will make your life a little bit easier.