8 Best Travel and Lightweight Strollers, Tested by Parents on the Go

The Bump takeaway: The Joolz Aer² with Cot is the Best of The Bump winner for overall best travel stroller, earning its spot for an intuitive, fast and ultra-compact fold, inbuilt carriage mode and sturdy carrycot that folds with the stroller—delivering an impressive newborn-to-toddler performance.

Most travel strollers ask you to make a decision early: Buy the right stroller for right now, or the right one for later. The Joolz Aer² is one of the rare exceptions. The included carrycot works from birth and folds down with the stroller—and with it attached, the whole package weighs in at only 18.7 pounds. In seat mode, you're looking at an even more manageable 14.3 pounds, with an ultra-compact fold that works well when balancing a 2-year-old on a family vacation.

“Our first trip with our son was to Dubai when he was about 6 months old,” says Oberman, who has flown with his son to South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Dubai and the Netherlands. “We used two things: a baby carrier for the airport and the flight (so much easier through security and on the plane), and the Joolz Aer² with the bassinet attachment once we landed.” The Bump editorial team placed the well-recommended stroller in two different tester’s hands to use with four different children, ranging in age from 2-months-old to almost 2-and-a-half, and the stroller passed every test they put it through with flying colors. As our tester Emily puts it: “It honestly made me more excited to travel more as a family now that I can picture something like this making those situations feel less overwhelming.”

Push and maneuverability
The Joolz Aer² pushes like a stroller that weighs considerably more. Emily, who tested it with a 2-month-old in the carrycot and a 2-year-old in the seat, found it smooth on sidewalks and parking lots and more capable on gravel than she expected from something this compact. "On smoother pavement it pushed really easily and was way easier to maneuver than I expected coming from larger strollers," she tells us. Emily’s husband, who is 6'1", also found it comfortable to push. That said, the Aer²'s handlebar isn't adjustable, so very tall parents should still verify fit before buying.

Basket
When it came to the basket test, the Aer² continued to impress. “I was actually surprised by how much I could fit underneath considering how compact this stroller is,” says Emily. “I fit my diaper bag, a small purse and a water bottle without really struggling to make things fit.” At just over 17 pounds, it’s not the highest capacity on our list, but the stroller’s basket access in seat mode is strong for the category—though a little tighter with the carrycot attached (“but not enough to be annoying” according to Emily).

Fold and storage
Nearly 45 percent of the 500 moms we surveyed placed an ultra-compact fold as a must-have in a travel stroller. It may not be the smallest on our shortlist (that goes to the Stokke YOYO3), but the ease of fold is the Joolz Aer²'s headline feature and it earns the attention.

I cannot say enough good things about this convenience and how much of a difference a truly effortless fold makes. And both our testers praise the Aer²’s one-handed fold for being exactly that. “The folding process is honestly what made me finally understand the appeal of travel strollers,” shares Emily. “It took a couple of tries to get fully comfortable with it, but after that it felt very quick and intuitive.” She notes that it’s easiest with seat mode than with the carrycot attached, but neither feels overly complicated. The Bump editorial team handled an Aer² in the course of research for this article, and had the same experience as our testers—it's a genuinely impressive fold, in terms of both ease and speed.

“Once folded, it stood upright really well,” adds Emily, which matters more than it sounds when you're managing baggage in an airport (or storing in a New York City studio, like me). And our second tester Nathalia was pleased to find that its lighter weight translated from push to carry mode. “It was really easy to pick up and put in the trunk of my car,” she tells us. “I would even be able to very easily put it in the overhead compartment on an airplane.”

It’s worth noting that while the Aer² with seat folds comfortably within IATA’s overhead bin specifications, it’s slightly too long when folded with the bassinet attached. So if you want to store the stroller in the overhead bin, you’ll need to pack the fold-flat bassinet in your luggage.

Baby setup
The carrycot attaches and detaches with relative ease and folds down with the stroller frame rather than requiring removal before folding—a step that makes most travel bassinet setups feel impractical in real life. And if having a fold-friendly carrycot makes you a little wary, Emily was right there with you until she got the Aer² in her hands. “I expected a travel stroller carrycot setup to feel a little flimsy, but this still felt stable and secure while keeping the overall stroller lightweight and compact,” she shares. Critically, Emily's 2-month-old fell asleep quickly on walks, although the carrycot is not certified for overnight sleeping so can’t be used as a portable sleeping space.

If you don’t want the additional expense of the carrycot, the standard Joolz Aer², $579, is suitable for use with a newborn, due to its near lie-flat recline and foot-protector net that is stored underneath the seat. “My baby seemed very comfortable,” says Nathalia, who used this carriage mode with her 5-month-old. “The padding is thick and cushiony. She was securely strapped in and the strap covers are soft.” However, while the carriage mode worked well for her baby, Nathalia felt she might want a little more support and protection if using with a newborn.

Toddler seating
The toddler seat is roomy with a strong recline and excellent canopy, and Emily's 2-year-old was comfortable throughout. The carrycot-to-seat switch felt intuitive and not time-consuming. If you're only looking for a toddler stroller, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is a more focused choice, and slightly less expensive. But if you're buying one stroller to cover birth through toddler years without compromise, the Joolz Aer² is the way to go.

At $878 with the carrycot, this stroller is absolutely an investment. But the value case rests on the fact that it works as both a newborn travel setup and a toddler travel stroller—and does both well. “Before testing this stroller, I honestly would’ve struggled a little to justify spending this much on a lightweight/travel stroller,” says Emily. “After using this stroller, I finally understood why people are willing to invest in something lightweight and compact that still feels high quality.”

Suitable from: Birth (with included carrycot or carriage mode) | Dimensions (open): 33.5" (L) x 17.7" (W) x 41.9" (H) | Dimensions: 20.9" (L) x 17.3" (W) x 9.2" (H) (folded with seat); 20.9" (L) x 17.3" (W) x 9.2" (H) (folded with carrycot): | Weight: 14.3 lbs (seat mode); 18.7 lbs (with carrycot) | Capacity: 50 lbs | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Front wheel size: 5.7" | Rear wheel size: 6.1"

The Bump takeaway: The Mompush Nexis Carbon is the Best of The Bump winner for best budget-friendly travel stroller, offering an unusually strong combination of portability, easy storage and a from-birth carriage mode at just under $200—outperforming what most parents would expect at this price point.

The standard advice when it comes to strollers is that you get what you pay for: Budget travel strollers tend to feel flimsy, have tiny baskets and fold in ways that are technically compact but practically inconvenient. The Mompush Nexis Carbon largely ignores that convention. “Value for money is predominantly about longevity for me,” says stroller repair expert Wade Elliott, founder of Stroller Workshop. “New parents don’t always consider that they’ll likely be using a stroller until their kids are around 3 or 4.” The Nexis’ carbon fiber frame alone, which offers a durable construction that weighs only 11.5 pounds, means this stroller is already punching well above its price point. But it doesn’t confine itself to just that one critical win.

At $199.99, the Mompush isn't quite the least expensive stroller on our list—that honor goes to the Ingenuity 3D Mini umbrella stroller. But between the Mompush's overhead-bin compatibility, 13.2 lb basket and included carriage mode for newborns, it is the best value for what you're paying vs. what you're getting for your money.

Push and maneuverability
Our tester Dana tried the Mompush out with her 2-year-old across paved streets, on grass during soccer practice and in gravel parking lots, and found it handled well across all three. "While it is incredibly lightweight it performs like a heavy duty stroller," she says. She also notes she never accidentally kicked the chassis or engaged the brake mid-walk—a friction point that sounds minor until you've dealt with it repeatedly.

The handlebar height is fixed, which is worth flagging if you or your partner is significantly taller than average: Dana (5'3") found it comfortable, and her 6'2" inch partner agreed, but taller parents should try it out before buying.

Fold and storage
“Folding and lifting this stroller is ridiculously easy, it's truly hard to believe,” says Dana. “It folds into the tiniest square in 2 seconds flat and even has a handle.” One practical note: the seat needs to be folded in before the handlebar closes, which sometimes catches users off guard the first time they fold it. After that, it’s two simple steps and then it latches tight in a secure position. While the official spec is not one-handed, Dana found it fully manageable with one hand in practice (“you could be holding something else no problem”).

Most significantly, the mom of two found she could lift it over her head. Considering that 75 percent of the moms we surveyed want their travel stroller to be easy to pick up and carry, it’s a big win for the 11.5-pound Mompush (the second-lightest stroller on our list). The stroller also stands upright when folded, which simplifies storage in hotel rooms and car trunks.

Incredibly, as light as the Mompush is, it gave Dana and her partner the confidence to use it as their everyday stroller after testing. The basket holds up to 13.2 pounds and loads from the front due to a high back panel, which Dana found mildly inconvenient but still called the most useful travel stroller basket she'd encountered.

Baby setup
The included carriage mode reclines the seat to 170 degrees with a foot barrier for newborns, giving it a from-birth advantage that most competitors at this price don't offer. “The carriage mode was great, the seat reclines all the way back and the foot rest goes up,” Dana tells us, after using it with her 4-month-old. “The hood is awesome and did a great job protecting my little guy from the harsh Texas sun.”

Toddler seating
As for the toddler seat, Dana’s toddler took to it fast, though she notes his legs did seem to dangle since he's on the taller side. Still, it did little to dampen his experience, even with the canopy up. “He likes sitting up and being involved in everything,” she tells us with the upright mode supporting him well.” Dana found the footrest to be a nice perk, too, and the straps fit him comfortably. “I think this stroller will last us a while,” she notes. “I think whether it makes it to 4 depends on how much longer his legs get!”

Suitable from: Birth (with included carriage mode) | Dimensions (open): 33.9" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 39.4" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 19" (L) x 18.1" (W) x 7.9" (H) | Weight: 11.5 lbs | Capacity: 50 lbs | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat compatible: No | Front wheel size: 5.1" | Rear wheel size: 5.5"

The Bump takeaway: The Stokke YOYO3 with Newborn Pack is our Best of The Bump winner for best travel stroller for newborns, thanks to its comfy and protective newborn cocoon that, even while still attached, allows the stroller to fold down to the most compact dimensions on our entire list.

The Stokke YOYO3 takes newborn setup to the next level, with a full, padded cocoon with internal harness straps that buckle baby securely inside—our tester Caitlyn, who used the YOYO3 with her 2-month-old and a 2.5-year-old, was particularly struck by the straps for her newborn. "I really loved this safety feature," she enthuses. Plus the cocoon is parent-facing, which nearly 30 percent of the moms we survey favor.

Baby setup
When traveling with a newborn or young baby, you need to feel confident that your stroller gives full protection to your little one, whatever the weather. The YOYO3’s soft coccon doesn’t look as robust or airy as a rigid bassinet but quickly won Caitlyn over. “I was hesitant of the sturdiness at first but with the padding, my baby was extremely comfortable,” she enthuses, noting that her baby didn’t overheat in the Californian heat, despite the snug padding. It also proved easy to use, taking just a few minutes to attach to the stroller base frame.

More importantly, the Yoyo3 can be folded with the cocoon attached without increasing the size of the ultra-compact fold, so it can still be carried on to a plane. As Woller, travel and parenting writer and mother of two, puts it: "If it doesn't fit all the way down the aisle of a plane and easily fit in an overhead bin, it's not truly travel-friendly." The YOYO3 is the most newborn-friendly, yet overhead-bin-confident stroller on this list, folding to just 20.5" x 17.3" x 7.1"—the smallest folded footprint by a meaningful margin.

Push and maneuverability
The YOYO3 is extremely easy to push on flat ground. Caitlyn found it lighter and more nimble on sidewalks and in stores than other compact strollers she'd used. “The ease for both the toddler seat and the bassinet felt equivalent,” she tells us. “There were a few bumps and uneven pavement where the stroller would stop against but the stroller is very light and it was easy to lift and continue pushing and steering the stroller.”

Like most travel strollers, the YOYO3 can be less impressive on rougher terrain, where the lightweight frame and smaller wheels show their limits. The front wheels can't be locked for additional stability, which is worth knowing if your routes include uneven surfaces. On city sidewalks and in airport terminals, it excels. For cobblestones or country paths, it'll feel the bumps.

Basket
The surprise standout? The YOYO3’s 22-pound basket is an impressive size for the category and particularly useful for those newborn days, when you bring half the house wherever you go. “I was able to fit four bags of groceries and while it weighed the stroller down a bit more, it was still easy to steer and use on the sidewalk,” shares Caitlyn.

Fold and storage
As nice as the compression is, the YOYO3’s fold has a real learning curve. Caitlyn found the release button is positioned in a way that shorter-armed users may find harder to reach, and the wheels must be perfectly aligned or the mechanism snags. The mom of two also notes that it latches far easier in toddler mode than with the cocoon which she notes is “bulkier and harder to condense.”

While the YOYO3 fold needs a bit of practice, Caitlyn confirms that it gets easier and the payoff is a newborn-friendly folded package that fits overhead bins more confidently than anything else on this list. “I do love how compact it is when folded,” she enthuses. “It took up hardly any space in my trunk (much less space than other compact strollers I have used).”

Toddler seating
Caitlyn felt her 2.5-year-old was very comfortable in the stroller, while noting he was already filling the seat. “I cannot imagine it still fitting him at age 4,” she tells us. What she particularly liked was the ability of the YOYO3 to keep her toddler (and baby) cool in hot weather. “The canopies have extensions on them that allowed for so much shade. I also love the materials as they all were very breathable. I tested it in 80 degree weather and neither my baby or toddler were sweating. This is huge for us with hot California summers.”

Suitable from: Birth (with YOYO3 Cocoon, included) | Dimensions (open): 41.7" (L) x 33.8" (W) x 17.3" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 20.5" (L) x 17.3" (W) x 7.1" (H) | Weight: 13.7 lbs (seat mode); 17.2 lbs (with cocoon) | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes (adapters sold separately) | Front wheel size: 5.3" | Rear wheel size: 5.3"

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is the Best of The Bump winner for best travel stroller for toddlers, earning its spot with a roomy upright seat, a one-second one-handed fold, easy-access basket and a smooth push that held up across two rounds of independent testing.

If you're past the newborn stage and want the most refined, effortless travel stroller experience on this list, the Butterfly 2 is the one to beat. The toddler-friendly travel stroller impressed our tester Julia, who tested it with her 16-month-old, from the get-go. “This is a fantastic option for a vacation stroller, but I think I will find myself reaching for it for a lot of day-to-day outings, such as shopping, zoo trips or other times when I don't want to bring the full size stroller,” she tells us.

Toddler seating
One reason for this is the total comfort it gave her toddler both upright and while napping. "The most upright position was perfect for when my son was awake," she says, "and it reclines nearly flat, so if he were to take a nap on a walk, I would easily be able to recline it." I've used this stroller with my own family, and in the case of my son, wanting to see the world happened a little earlier than expected, which has made the Butterfly 2's more upright seat (one of the improvements in the Butterfly 2 over the original) a real boon.

The Butterfly 2's toddler seat is its clearest strength. The 26.8-inch sitting space under the canopy is generous. Julia's 16-month-old had plenty of room and she could "easily see this stroller lasting until my son is 4." The no-rethread harness made strap adjustments fast. One caveat: the recline mechanism is difficult to operate with a child in the seat, and Julia found it almost impossible to return to an upright position without removing her son first. That said, the recline positions were worth the friction.

A good toddler seat is something travel blogger Oberman notes as essential when traveling with a young toddler. “A good travel stroller can also work as a chair at a restaurant so it shouldn’t be too large, a bed during long delays so the seat needs to be able to go flat, a luggage cart and even a sunbed with a good hood,” he notes from his travels with his wife and son. The Butterfly 2 has the flexibility to meet all four with the added flex of a fast fold and accessible, generous basket.

Push and maneuverability
I've always found that the Butterfly 2 feels extremely light relative to its feature set, crucial when I’m juggling a phone, latte and baby. Our tester Julia agrees, describing it as "remarkably easy to push and steer one-handed." She took it through narrow store aisles and parking lots with a full basket, and it didn't pull or drag. And for parents navigating busy urban environments with a toddler, that nimbleness is noticeable.

“We took it plant shopping at a home improvement store, and it was easily able to fit between narrow aisles without any issue,” Julia tells us. “It was also remarkably easy to push/steer one handed while trying to use my phone, grab keys out of my bag or pass something to my husband.” Like most travel strollers the handlebar is not adjustable, but our 5'4" tester reported zero issues using it with her 5'10" husband. “Neither of us found ourselves kicking the chassis while walking, which has been an issue with other strollers we have used,” she tells us.

Fold and storage
The one-second fold is the Butterfly 2's signature and it delivers. There are two handlebar buttons to press simultaneously—which takes one try to learn—after which it folds compactly and stands upright on its own. That said, Julia cautions parents to make sure the front wheels are aligned properly. “If they are not, it does get a little stuck, but it is an easy fix,” she explains. But day to day, the Bugaboo’s fast fold has made it this mom’s go-to for errands. “The ease of opening and folding down the stroller makes it great for getting in and out of parking lots without taking too long,” she tells us, which can easily translate to boarding on a plane or nipping onto a subway fast.

Julia called the folded size "incredibly compact, smaller than it seems it should be when looking at it open." She fit it in both an SUV trunk and a sedan without rearranging anything. As for whipping it over her shoulder, the mom of one notes that it’s very easy to pick up and carry though she would have preferred an adjustable strap to the elastic strap that it comes with. Still, “compared to other strollers I have, it was significantly lighter, so I would say truly lightweight,” she adds.

That light weight makes its basket capacity all the more impressive: The basket holds 17.6 pounds and pops open to keep items contained over bumps. Access is easy from front and back even with the seat reclined—a genuine standout feature. Julia fit a diaper bag and reusable shopping bags comfortably.

Age suitability
A final note: the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 does not recline to a near lie-flat position for newborn use in the US. This is an important distinction because the model sold in the US is different to ones sold in other countries, and the seat does not recline as far as it does on international versions. In the US, this stroller is suitable from 6 months. If you're buying for a newborn, start with the Stokke YOYO3 or the Joolz Aer².

Suitable from: 6 months | Dimensions (open): 37.2" (L) x 17.6" (W) x 40.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 9.6" x 17.6" (W) x 21.8" (H) | Weight: 16 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: No | Car seat compatible: Yes | Front wheel size: 5.5" | Rear wheel size: 6"

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: The Mamazing Air Lux is the Best of The Bump winner for best lightweight stroller with a reversible seat, offering parent-facing and world-facing flexibility, an included bassinet, an adjustable handlebar and a 30-pound storage basket, all packaged in a lightweight carbon fiber frame.

The Mamazing offers something different and genuinely hard to find: the portability of a lightweight stroller combined with a reversible seat, an adjustable handlebar and a basket large enough to actually use daily.

Nearly 10 percent of the 500 moms we spoke with placed a reversible seat at the top of their features list, and 20 percent more looked for this specifically for their newborn setup. For parents who want to maintain eye contact with their little ones during walks—especially in the early months when face-to-face interaction is important for development—it's a meaningful capability that most travel and lightweight strollers simply don't offer. “I really liked that it faces me because it makes it so easy to check on him while we were walking without having to stop,” our tester Morgan tells us about the Mamazing, and this extended to her 2-year-old daughter, too.

Push and maneuverability
Our tester Morgan found the push to be the Mamazing's most notable standout. "I've had several strollers before and can honestly say none of them pushed as smoothly as this one," she tells us. She steered it one-handed through stores and along sidewalks and found it easy even on bumpier terrain. The spring-loaded four-wheel suspension also helps absorb uneven ground.

For Morgan, the frame did feel slightly thinner than heavier strollers but she attributes this to the carbon fiber construction rather than a quality concern, and it didn't affect her confidence in the stroller. “It honestly felt like a pretty normal trade-off for having such a lightweight and compact design,” she explains. “Overall the stroller feels sturdy like it would hold up well for everyday use and travel.”

Basket
The mom of two is also quick to show us that compactness doesn’t mean losing out on storage space. The Mamazing offers an outstanding 30-pound basket capacity and Morgan could fit her diaper bag and both her and her daughter's water cups in the basket comfortably. With the seat attached, access was easy. With the bassinet, it was slightly more restricted at the opening, but still functional.

Fold and storage
In seat mode, the Mamazing folds quickly and one-handed, with Morgan easily fitting it in her Honda Accord trunk with room to spare. The folded stroller is compact enough for everyday use but, it's worth noting, is not sized for overhead bins. Still, “once folded, it’s really compact and lighter than I expected,” she tells us. “It was easy to lift and didn’t feel bulky at all.”

The bassinet must be removed before folding, giving you an extra piece of kit to carry around and making the Mamazing less suitable for quick transitions with a newborn in tow.

Baby setup
Morgan was impressed with the quality of the bassinet. “My baby fit really comfortably inside with plenty of room and it feels like there’s still room for him to grow. The ride looked smooth anytime we were out walking,” she tells us. Attaching the bassinet proved simple, although Morgan found she needed two hands to remove it. Like the Joolz Aer², it’s also not certified for overnight sleeping.

Toddler seating
As for the toddler seat, the magnetic harness buckle was a genuine highlight for Morgan. "It just clicks into place without any fighting with buckles, which honestly made a big difference during quick errands," she explains. While Morgan’s daughter looked comfortable in the seat, she felt it did feel a little snug for her taller 2-year-old. Critically, she adds, “the recline was good too, nice and upright when she was awake and enough lean back if she was to get tired”.

Suitable from: Birth (with included bassinet) | Dimensions (open): 32" x 21.1" x 40.2" | Dimensions (folded): 27" x 21.1" x 12" | Weight: 15.8 lbs | Capacity: 50 lbs | One-handed fold: Yes (seat mode) | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: Yes | Front wheel size: 6.6" | Rear wheel size: 7.9"

The Bump takeaway: The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller is the Best of The Bump winner for best travel stroller/car seat combo—it allows you to move between a car, rideshare, airport, restaurant or hotel lobby without ever separating your baby from their car seat.

The Doona + is not a conventional stroller and shouldn't be evaluated as one. Its competitors are not the Joolz Aer² or the Butterfly 2. They are the moment when your taxi or rideshare arrives and you're standing on the curb with a sleeping newborn in a car seat, trying to figure out how to get them into a stroller without waking them. The Doona + eliminates that moment entirely—the fully functional infant car seat has built-in wheels that flip out, along with a handle, to transform the whole unit into a stroller.

“I love the ability to switch from a car seat to stroller and think it's a great option for travel,” says one of our testers, Janelle, who brought this stroller/car seat combo on a family trip to Europe with her 7-month-old. In fact, in car seat mode the Doona + is approved by US and European authorities for air travel, meaning you can secure it to the plane seat on most airlines. It's a setup that keeps airport logistics manageable without sacrificing the convenience of a stroller at the destination.

Push and maneuverability
I'll be straightforward: I absolutely love the Doona +. I've used it myself, and it's a game changer for anyone who travels often, whether by plane, train or automobile. Having your car seat convert directly into a stroller is a genius idea that truly isn't celebrated enough. It's saved us from many a near-meltdown.

The Doona + handles well on smooth surfaces and “can turn on a dime and easily fit past tables, people and through aisles,” Janelle says. That said, the Doona + is not designed for long walks or varied terrain. Both our 2025 and 2023 testers used it primarily for short-range transitions and found it noticeably less stable on bumpy or uneven ground. Reserve it for car-to-destination situations as your travel companion and short-haul convenience tool—not a replacement for your everyday stroller.

Ease of use
Once you reach your destination, the mom of one notes that it fits comfortably right at dining height. “I was worried [my daughter] would feel really low when we used it at a restaurant,” she explains. “But she actually sat at a comfortable height for us to have dinner and keep her close.” I can appreciate this: a sleeping baby who stays in the Doona + through a meal is a much easier proposition than a baby transferred to a portable crib. It also features a two-pedal, color-coded brake system, making it easy to secure the stroller when out and about. But remember, that the upright position of the Doona + means that young babies shouldn’t be in the seat for more than two hours at a time.

The Doona + is also one of two strollers on our list to feature an adjustable handlebar—rare in this category but one at least six percent of the moms we surveyed would appreciate seeing more. And while the stroller handlebar is known for sitting a bit low, Janelle says her 6-foot-3 husband didn’t mind the height at all.

Baby setup
While some travel strollers are only recommended for 6-month-olds and up, the Doona + can be used with newborns from day one without any extra adaptors or accessories. Juanita, our second product tester, used it with her 3-month-old and found it super supportive. “My baby fits very well in the car seat/stroller. We can see that there’s room for growth when he gets a bit bigger and heavier. [Also,] the headrest gave my baby a lot of support when he napped,” she says.

Just keep in mind that the Doona + isn’t suitable for toddlers, so it’s a short-term option compared to other strollers in our roundup. But, as its popularity with our testers and The Bump community at large confirms, it’s a versatile option and a worthwhile investment for families needing the flexibility of a combo system.

Car seat installation
Installation in a car is more involved than a standard infant car seat. Janelle found the base angle tricky to perfect across several sessions, while our other tester Juanita's experience was smoother. “The instructions were very clear, but if we got stuck on some part and couldn’t figure it out we would look up a video,” she tells us. “The videos out there are very helpful as well. It took around five minutes after reading all instructions to install; and it felt very secure once the base was in place.” The variance likely reflects car type and experience, but approach the first install with patience.

Two practical notes: the stroller wheels can't be tucked away when the seat is on the base, taking up noticeable back-seat space. And the Doona + is not approved for use in Canada—if you cross the border regularly, this is a material limitation. That said, transitioning between the two modes is simple: to set it up as a stroller, move the handlebar upright and press the button on the car seat base to lift it. To use it as a car seat, push the button on the back of the stroller to release the legs, press it toward the ground, lock the wheels and you’re all set. And while, at 17 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a travel stroller, it is lighter than the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, the other car seat/stroller combo on the market.

Age suitability
The Doona + is ultimately a short-term stroller. Your baby will outgrow the infant car seat typically between 12 and 18 months, and the stroller function goes with it. Think of it as a first-year travel tool—and within those terms, it's a very good one.

Suitable from: Birth (infant car seat) | Dimensions (open): 32.3" (L) x 17.4" (W) x 39" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 26" (L) x 17.4" (W) x 22.4" (H) | Weight: 17.2 lbs | Capacity: 35 lbs | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: No | Car seat compatible: Yes (it is the car seat) | Adjustable handlebar: Yes

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: The Mountain Buggy Nano Urban is the Best of The Bump winner for best lightweight stroller for all terrains, earning its spot as the only stroller on our list that ships with two sets of wheels—one optimized for urban surfaces, one smaller set for travel—giving parents a genuine terrain advantage without needing a second stroller.

Compact strollers don't handle rough ground well, and the trade-off between wheel size and fold size feels unavoidable. The Mountain Buggy Nano Urban's answer is to give you both wheel sets and let you choose.

Travel writer Woller, who has pushed strollers across cobblestones in Chamonix and uneven terrain across multiple countries, vouches for the “increased maneuverability that wider wheels provide.” They lead to less wobble and more stability, so you can confidently bump over the stones without worrying about toppling or getting stuck in the cracks." The Nano Urban's option to use 7.5-inch front wheels and 10-inch in the rear are the most direct answer to that concern.

Push and maneuverability
With the urban wheels fitted, the Nano Urban handles uneven ground better than any other stroller on this list. Our tester Emily pushed it confidently across varied terrain and described it as "very lightweight and easy to push and steer." The 10-inch rear wheels absorb bumps meaningfully—a real upgrade from the 5- to 6-inch wheels typical of travel strollers. These wheel options help to ground the lightweight aluminum frame (at 13.3 pounds, one of the lightest on our list), improving the steering capabilities of such a light stroller.

And Emily, who usd this stroller with her 6-month-old, appreciated the ability to swap out wheels depending on where she’s going. “The type of wheels you use makes a difference—if you use both sets of smaller wheels, which are more compact for traveling, they aren't going to roll around as smoothly with different terrain, while the larger wheels perform very well on all terrain,” she explains.

You can also adjust the front wheels depending on the terrain you’re navigating: The front lock mode gives you more control on uneven terrain, while the 360-degree swivel mode gives you full maneuverability, making tight turns easier.

That said, while this stroller stands out for all-terrain relative to other travel and lightweight strollers, it’s not a true all-terrain stroller in the same category as, say, a jogging stroller. Mud, deep gravel, sand and genuinely rough outdoor paths will still exceed what it's designed for. What it offers is meaningfully better uneven-pavement and cobblestone performance than its travel stroller peers, and for many families that's exactly the gap that needed filling.

Fold and storage
The fold is compact and one-handed once learned, but the learning curve is slightly steep. It took Emily a little troubleshooting to figure out the one-handed fold (the image-only directions could be clearer), but once she did, it was easy. In her experience, once you “figure out how to unclip the bottom and it really just unfolds itself from there.”

The canopy must also be fully extended before the handlebar will fold down. If it's partially open, the mechanism snags. Still, none of this put a damper on how much Emily and her husband loved the Nano Urban’s portability. “It’s very compact and lightweight when it’s folded and super easy to pack into a car,” she tells us.

The folded dimensions sit over standard overhead bin limits on two dimensions so this is more a gate-check stroller for flying, not an overhead-bin option. For road trips and mixed-terrain family travel where you're checking luggage anyway, it's a non-issue. The included carry bag is a practical bonus that protects the stroller and your clothes from airport handling. And at 11 pounds, the basket is small but functional.

Suitable from: Birth (with additional cocoon, sold separately) | Dimensions (open): 34" x 21" x 41" | Dimensions (folded): 20.8" x 20.5" x 11.8" | Weight: 13.3 lbs | Capacity: 49 lbs | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: Yes | Carry bag: Yes (included) | Car seat compatible: Yes | Front wheel size: 7.5" | Rear wheel size: 10" | Adjustable handlebar: No

The Bump takeaway: The Ingenuity 3D Mini is the Best of The Bump winner for best umbrella stroller, offering the classic simplicity of an umbrella fold, lockable front wheels, a genuinely easy push and real-life durability at an extremely affordable price.

The umbrella stroller is one of the oldest, simplest stroller formats—and for a specific set of scenarios, it remains the most practical. Quick errands. Backup stroller kept in the car or grandparents' house. Occasional travel where you're gate-checking anyway and don't want to risk an expensive stroller with baggage handlers.

Our tester Zoya, mom of a 9-month-old, a 2-year-old and a 3-year-old, was impressed by how well this model performed, especially given its affordable price point. “It’s priced in that more affordable range, but it still feels solid and reliable, not flimsy or cheap,” she says. “The build quality surprised me, in a good way. It held up well with both my baby and my toddlers, even during everyday use.”

Push and maneuverability
Zoya used the Ingenuity 3D Mini on neighborhood walks, in stores, at parks and across parking lots, and found the push "almost effortless" with her 9-month-old. She steered one-handed regularly while holding her toddler's hand. "I loved how well it maneuvered through tight store aisles and around people on busier sidewalks," she says. With her 2-year-old it was slightly heavier on turns, but manageable.

The front wheels offer a lockable swivel feature: push the lock button up to keep wheels straight for uneven paths or longer walks; push it down to allow free swivel for tight turns indoors. Zoya found locking them helpful at the park and on grass—a small but practical feature that stands out at the price point.

Curbs require a slight tip-and-push, which is typical of smaller-wheeled strollers. The handlebar is fixed but worked for both Zoya and her husband despite a roughly 6-inch height difference.

Fold and storage
Umbrella strollers don’t offer a one-handed fold and some can have stiff and fiddly folding mechanisms. It’s also not a self-standing fold. However, Zoya praises the folding process on the Ingenuity, noting it was "straightforward, quick and easy." The mom of three adds, “I’ve definitely managed to fold it while holding my baby in one arm or balancing a diaper bag in the other, which is a huge plus when you’re out on your own with kids.” What’s more, unfolding was “super quick and smooth,” and the long, narrow folded shape fit easily in her SUV without hogging trunk space.

Ease of use
The no-rethread harness was a notable highlight for Zoya, given the 3D Mini’s budget price. She cited it as meaningfully faster than other strollers she'd used. For a parent managing multiple children, that kind of friction elimination matters.

The Ingenuity 3D Mini’s basket holds 10 pounds—the lowest capacity on our list—making it functional for a diaper bag and snacks, but maybe not for a full grocery run. And access closes off when the seat is fully reclined but this is standard for umbrella strollers. If storage is a high priority, the Mompush Nexis Carbon offers considerably more at a moderate price increase.

Toddler seating
Both Zoya's 9-month-old and her 2-year-old seemed comfortable in the seat, which offered good positioning for naps, which was easy to adjust with a simple strap system. To that end, Zoya felt this stroller offered amazing value and would definitely recommend it, especially for its ease of use, compact fold and durability relative to cost. “It definitely exceeded my expectations for the price point,” she says.

Suitable from: 6 months | Dimensions (open): 27" (L) x 18" (W) x 43" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 10" (L) x 10.5" (W) x 44" (H) | Weight: 11 lbs. | Capacity: 45 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: No | Car seat compatible: No | Adjustable handlebar: No | Suspension: No