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

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 travel stroller (the recent update to last year’s Best of The Bump winner, the original Butterfly) impressed our tester Ashleigh from the get-go. “I would recommend the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 stroller, especially for families who travel frequently or live in urban areas,” says Ashleigh, mom to a 6-month-old. “Its compact fold, smooth maneuverability and sleek design make it a convenient and stylish choice. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, with a surprisingly spacious seat and basket for a travel stroller.” The Butterfly 2’s ability to combine lightweight portability with robust handling without compromising on key features, earned itn this year’s Best of The Bump award for the overall best travel stroller. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

One of the improvements from the original Butterfly model is slightly larger front wheels, which improves how the stroller handles uneven ground. Though it’s not designed specifically for rough terrains, “it still handles bumpy surfaces reasonably well for a travel stroller, with a ride that’s more cushioned than expected,” Ashleigh tells us. The Butterfly 2 also has a slightly wider wheel base, which helps with stability particularly when steering in narrow spaces. “It navigates busy streets and tight store aisles with ease, thanks to its compact frame and responsive handling, and maneuvering around narrow sidewalks is no problem,” reports Ashleigh. “Compared to other strollers, it feels exceptionally lightweight and nimble, which makes it ideal for quick trips or city use,” she adds.

Ashleigh also raves about the one-handed folding mechanism, describing it as “very quick, easy and ultra compact.” In fact, the Butterfly 2 is faster to fold than its predecessor and can be done in a second. “There are no overly fiddly buttons or complicated steps, making the process simple even for first-time users. It can be folded one-handed, which is a huge plus when you're juggling a baby or a bag in the other hand,” Ashleigh says. The stroller also has a self-standing fold and meets IATA’s size requirements for placing in planes’ overhead compartments.

With an above-average storage capacity of 17.6 pounds, the under-carriage basket has now been redesigned to enable easier access. According to Ashleigh, it “can easily fit two medium shopping bags or a diaper bag, and access is simple from both the front and back—even when the seat is reclined,” she says. “It keeps belongings secure without items falling out, thanks to its deep, structured design and a strap for extra security.” Even when it was full, pushing remained effortless. Plus, Bugaboo added an extra pocket on the seatback of this latest model for added storage—although as Ashleigh found, it may not be ideal to store your phone and other essentials, “as the back pocket is too low to conveniently grab it,” she explains.

There are also some nice practical details that help you easily situate your child in this stroller. Ashleigh found the no-rethread harness easy to adjust, and she particularly liked that when she pressed the buckle button, “it releases the harnesses all at once” for added convenience. The seat now has a deeper recline position as well as a more upright one to keep your kid comfy, which Ashleigh appreciated. “The seat reclines easily with one hand and has a nearly flat recline, making it very suitable for naps on the go,” she says. The stroller also features a canopy that “is large, easy to pull down and offers great sun protection, with a mesh peekaboo window for ventilation,” Ashleigh reports. And if you have an older child, the Butterfly 2 has a particularly roomy seat, at 11.8 inches wide. Overall, our tester was wowed by the quality and convenience of this new-and-improved stroller, saying, “It’s a high-performing, thoughtfully designed stroller ideal for those prioritizing portability and ease of use.”

Suitable from: Birth | Dimensions (open): 17.6" (W) x 37.2" (L) x 40.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 17.6" (W) x 9.6" (L) x 21.8" (H) | Weight: 16 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat-compatible: Yes

Ultra-compact travel strollers can be costly, but in recent years more affordable and equally reliable options have emerged on the market, like the Graco Ready2Jet Stroller. At under $200, this Best of The Bump winner is considerably less expensive than its competitors, while still delivering convenience and comfort to families on the go, including a one-handed self-closing fold and excellent maneuverability. This stroller impressed our tester Logan, mom of an 8-month-old and a 3-year-old, who used it on paved roads, sidewalks and gravel trails. “The steering was great and easy on all terrains we took it on,” she says. Its narrow design makes it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the new mom noted that “it’s lighter than any other stroller we have pushed.” In fact, at 13.2 pounds, it’s one of the lightest strollers we’ve tested.

A standout feature for Logan was the incredibly simple one-handed self-closing fold and unfold. “You can easily hold a child in one arm and unfold in the other. It was also just as straightforward to fold. There were no tricky actions; the trigger to unlock it was easy to use with just your thumb,” she explains. “As a parent we always have one hand holding something (kid, bags, luggage) and being able to put it up and down with one hand is great.” Once folded, it was easy to carry and fit perfectly in her car, taking up minimal space.

Other design details her family appreciated include the sun canopy, which offered great coverage for both her baby and toddler, and the comfy reclining seats. “We loved the positioning of the seat for both kids-- it reclined perfectly and there was no leaning forward for either,” she shares. However, she did find that the under-carriage basket (which has a 10 pound weight capacity) wasn’t easily accessible when her older child was seated, as his legs blocked it. Ultimately, Logan felt the Graco Ready2Jet Stroller was definitely worth the investment, not only for its ease of use and comfortable seating but also for its style. “We feel like it’s a great looking, modern stroller for the price,” she enthuses.

Suitable from: 6 months | Dimensions (open): 20.5" (W) x 27" (L) x 43" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 18" (W) x 23.9" (L) x 11.9" (H) | Weight: 13.2 lbs. | Capacity: 50lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: No | Car seat-compatible: Yes

An umbrella stroller is a more basic, compact set of wheels that folds up long and thin, like an umbrella. It also tends to be more cost-effective than typical travel strollers—but even among umbrella strollers the Ingenuity 3D Mini Convenience Stroller stands out for its low price point of $70. More impressive still is that it turned in a strong performance in our product testing, earning the 3D Mini a Best of The Bump award for the best budget-friendly umbrella stroller. Our tester Zoya, mom of a 9-month-old, 2-year-old and 4-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.”

As a mom who's used “quite a few strollers over the years with my three little ones,” Zoya found the Ingenuity 3D Mini Convenience Stroller super easy to push and steer. “With my 9-month-old, it felt almost effortless to push. The stroller glided along really well,” she explains. While the small wheels were a bit bumpier on rough terrain, they still performed better than she expected for a lightweight option. Zoya also appreciated how well it worked in narrow spaces, thanks to its compact design. “I loved how well it maneuvered through tight store aisles and around people on busier sidewalks. It’s so compact and turns easily, which really makes a difference when I’m juggling three kids,” she tells us. If that’s not all, Zoya added that the stroller's impressive lightness—at only 11 pounds—made it a breeze to carry.

Umbrella strollers don’t offer a one-handed fold and some can have stiff and fiddly folding mechanisms. However, Zoya praises the folding process on the Ingenuity, noting it was "straightforward, quick and easy." “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,” says the mom-of-three. What’s more, unfolding was “super quick and smooth,” and the long, narrow folded shape fit easily in her SUV without hogging trunk space.

The Ingenuity 3D Mini Convenience Stroller includes a small basket, which Zoya found helpful, though access was a bit tricky when the seat was reclined. “For quick errands or everyday outings, it got the job done. I could usually fit my small diaper bag and a couple of grocery items like snacks or wipes,” she tells us. Both her 9-month-old and 2-year-old seemed comfortable in the seat, which offered a good position for naps and 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): 18" (W) x 27" (L) x 43" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 10.5" (W) x 10" (L) x 44" (H) | Weight: 11 lbs. | Capacity: 45 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: No | Car seat-compatible: No

Not all travel strollers are suitable for the youngest babies. “Newborns need head and neck support as they can't hold their heads up,” says Consumer Reports’ Muratore. “To ensure that your newborn can ride safely and comfortably, look for a stroller with a bassinet option, a stroller seat that converts to a bassinet, a seat that reclines to near-flat or one that is car seat compatible,” she explains. The Stokke Yoyo3 with newborn pack, our Best of The Bump winner for the best travel stroller for newborns, provides a soft nest that allows your little one to lay completely flat and facing you. Even better, the Yoyo3 can be folded with the nest attached, without increasing the size of the ultra-compact fold. Our tester Caitlyn found the nest to be super comfortable for her 2-month-old. “Each time I used it, he immediately fell asleep on our walks,” she reports. As it’s a nest rather than a standalone bassinet, the stroller’s 5-point safety harness is also used, which Caitlyn appreciated. “I really loved this safety feature,” she says.

With the nest or toddler seat attached, Caitlyn found pushing the Stokke Yoyo3 was smooth and nearly effortless, thanks in part to the all-wheel suspension and improved shock absorbers that came with the latest upgrade. According to Caitlyn, “This stroller is extremely easy to navigate on flat ground such as sidewalks and inside of stores.” While there were some minor hiccups on uneven pavement, the mom of two found that the lightweight nature of the stroller made it “very easy to lift and continue pushing and steering the stroller.” She also appreciated the easy navigation over curbs.

And of course, the stroller’s ultra-compact fold is its major selling point. The first stroller to meet IATA’s size requirements to fit in an overhead bin, the Stokke Yoyo (previously known as the Babyzen Yoyo) is now in its third generation and boasts the smallest fold on our list. Caitlyn loved how compact it is and how little space it took up in the trunk. Its folding mechanism is different to other ultra-compacts, and has a few quirks—such as a tricky button for shorter arms and the need to perfectly align the wheels. But once Caitlyn figured it out, she was happy with the result. The sturdy shoulder strap was also a favorite, allowing her to carry the folded stroller while keeping her hands free. All in all, Caitlyn called the Stokke Yoyo3 a “great travel and vacation stroller,” noting that both her newborn and toddler found it “extremely comfortable.”

Suitable from: 0 months with newborn kit | Dimensions (open): 17.3" (W) x 33.8" (L) x 41.7" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 7.1" (W) x 17.3” (L) x 20.5” (H) | Weight: 13.7 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat-compatible: Yes

Finding a travel stroller that comfortably fits growing toddlers as well as offering a cozy ride for babies can be a challenge. With its wide seat, longer-than-average seat length and deep, adjustable legrest, the Ergobaby Metro 3 All-in-One Compact Stroller (an upgrade of last year’s winner, the Ergobaby Metro+) is well-suited for toddlers on the go. “This is a very effective travel stroller for toddlers, who fit very well in the seat, and there is enough support for the child's legs to sit comfortably,” says our product tester Christina, mom of a 2-year-old and 9-month-old. “I can easily see this stroller lasting and being able to support most 4-year-olds and even older,” she tells us.

At 16.7 pounds, this updated model is 2.5 pounds lighter than the Ergobaby Metro+, which brings it more into line with other travel strollers. With its four-wheel spring suspension, Christina appreciated its smooth ride and easy steering on flat ground. “It glides easily and is light as a feather,” she says. She loved how well it moved in stores and could easily climb curbs without losing balance. The stroller’s light weight, compact fold and integrated carry handle made it easy for Christine to lift and carry the stroller up stairs as well as simple to unload from the car. Plus, “It easily stores upright in my closet when folded and takes up very little space in my home,” Christina adds.

The Ergobaby Metro 3 also boasts some key features to make outings with your kiddo all the easier. The generous hood is big enough to comfortably cover the seat and provide shade, and the near-flat seat recline “is very easy to use and is perfect for a toddler,” Christina tells us. Unusually for a travel stroller it features a two-position adjustable handlebar to accommodate caregivers of different heights. “The handlebar height was perfect for me (I'm 5’2”) and worked great for my husband (he’s 6’2”).” One gripe our tester had was the under-carriage basket, which she says is small and partially blocked by a support bar. Still, she was able to fit a couple grocery bags into the basket, which may be enough for parents of toddlers who no longer need to tote around a large diaper bag.

Suitable from: Birth | Dimensions (open): 17.3" (W) x 35" (L) x 42.9" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 17.3" (W) x 9.1" (L) x 22" (H) | Weight: 16.7 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: No | Car seat-compatible: Yes

The weight of your stroller can play a big role in how easy it is to use, whether you’re lifting it in and out of the car, up and down stairs or pushing the stroller uphill. If finding an ultra lightweight stroller is your top priority, then the Evenflo Hummingbird, our Best of The Bump winner for lightest travel stroller, is a great solution. This featherweight design clocks in at just 9 pounds—2 pounds less than the next lightest stroller we tested, and that was an umbrella stroller). That feat is thanks to its carbon fiber frame. According to our tester Meagan, mom of an 8-month-old and a 2-year-old, “it’s far easier, lighter and more compact than any stroller I’ve ever used.”

Meagan found it light and simple to push and steer on flat surfaces like sidewalks and streets. “When the terrain got rougher it was a little harder to push and steer, but only minimally,” she adds. “I was impressed.” The Evenflo Hummingbird also boasts a fast one-handed fold that Meagan was a huge fan of. “This is the easiest stroller to fold and unfold that I’ve ever experienced,” she shares. And when you’re finished using it, the slim design, self-standing fold and integrated handle make it easy to carry and store. “It’s so compact and lightweight and takes up little space in the house or car,” the mom of two says.

Beyond its super light weight and effortless folding, the Evenflo Hummingbird impressed Meagan in its practical design details as well. “The recline is great for a napping baby or toddler,” she says, although it’s worth noting the recline is limited to two positions and the seat is narrow compared to others we tested. Meagan liked that it came with a “good quality” cup holder, while the UPF 50+ canopy is a decent size, particularly given the lightness of the stroller. The storage basket has a 10 pound capacity (average for travel strollers), and Meagan was able to fit her large purse or diaper bag with room to spare. To sum it up, Meagan says: “I would recommend this stroller to a friend looking for a recommendation over any lightweight/travel stroller I’ve ever used.”

Bonus: get 15% off sitewide when you buy direct at Evenflo.com using the code THEBUMP15.

Suitable from: 6 months | Dimensions (open): 12.8" (W) x 30.3" (L) x 41" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 12.8" (W) x 13" (L) x 19.5" (H) | Weight: 9 lbs. | Capacity: 55 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat-compatible: No

This top-rated product isn’t your average travel stroller. The Doona+ Car Seat and Stroller, a Best of The Bump winner for the second year in a row, is an innovative all-in-one device that converts from a car seat into a stroller and back again in seconds, thanks to its wheels that unfold from the bottom of the seat. For traveling parents, that means lugging one less item of baby gear around, as well as seamlessly transitioning from the sidewalk to a safe and secure seat. “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 for 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.

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.

The Doona+ is equally easy to use in either car seat or stroller mode. It maneuvers well in tight spaces, since unlike larger strollers, the Doona “can turn on a dime and easily fit past tables, people and through aisles,” Janelle says. It also features a two-pedal, color-coded brake system, making it easy to secure the stroller when out and about. At 17 pounds, this product is one of the heavier strollers on our list—but it’s 3 pounds lighter than the Evenflo Shyft Dualride, the other car seat/stroller combo on the market. And while the stroller handlebar is known for sitting a bit low, Janelle says her 6’3” husband didn’t mind the height at all.

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.

Read our full review of the Doona+ Car Seat and Stroller

Suitable from: Birth | Dimensions (open): 17.4" (W) x 32.3" (L) x 39" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 17.4" (W) x 26" (L) x 22.4" (H) | Weight: 17.2 lbs. | Capacity: 35 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Carry strap: No | Car seat-compatible: Built-in car seat

Our community says:

A common pain point for travel strollers is that they don’t handle rough, bumpy ground as well as full-size models. To remedy that issue, the Mountain Buggy Nano Urban offers a unique solution: It comes with two sets of interchangeable wheels—a larger size (10 inch rear and 7.5 inch front) for navigating urban jungles and a smaller size (5.5 inches) for efficient travel, earning it a Best of The Bump award for best all-terrain travel stroller. Our tester Emily, mom of a 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 the 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.

As well as selecting the wheel size, 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. These wheel options, combined with the lightweight aluminum frame (13.3 pounds, one of the lightest on our list), makes navigating a breeze. “This travel stroller was very lightweight and easy to push and steer!” Emily reports.

The Nano Urban offers plenty of convenient features for travel. It took Emily a minute to figure out the one-handed fold (the image-only directions could be clearer), but once she did, it was easy. “It’s very compact and lightweight when it’s folded and super easy to pack into a car.” It’s slightly outside the IATA size requirements for plane overhead compartments, but many parents report being allowed to take it as carry-on (always check with your carrier before you fly). It comes with a travel bag, a carry strap and also a transport strap that lets you tow the stroller when folded. There’s a full mesh back panel for ventilation in hot weather and the seat buckle boasts a patented “tail-free” safety harness with short straps that avoid loose hanging ends plus a streamlined easy-click centerpiece, which Emily loved. “I honestly like this better than my everyday stroller I currently have, because you don't have to have the two buckle pieces fit together before it fastens.” Emily’s conclusion: “It’s a good-quality stroller, super easy to use and lightweight and it looks really nice too.”

Suitable from: Birth | Dimensions (open): 21" (W) x 41" (L) x 34" (H) [with travel wheels]; 20" (W) x 44" (L) x 37" (H) [with urban wheels) | Dimensions (folded): 20.5" (L) x 11.8" (W) x 20.8" (H) | Weight: 13.3 lbs. | Capacity: 44 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: Yes | Car seat-compatible: Yes

Our community says:

Many parents prefer a stroller that has a reversible seat that lets baby face you or the world, but it’s a feature that’s rare to find on travel strollers. That’s where the Peg Perego Vivace Stroller stands out. Described as a “city stroller,” it combines premium features—like a reversible seat—with a compact frame, making it ideal for daily activities and traveling. Not only can you change the seat to face in or out, but, like a full-size stroller, you can also remove the seat entirely and click a car seat into the frame for a travel system solution, giving you a clear view of your baby. If you have a young baby, the other benefit of the Peg Perego is that it offers a near lie-flat recline, which is suitable for newborns. Alternatively, you can buy a separate bassinet which comes with a stand, helping to make it suitable for overnight sleeping. Erin praised the bassinet for fit and comfort for her 10-week-old: “It is a very good size and would work for big or small babies and the cushion inside was very nice and comfortable for my little one.”

At 20 pounds, this pick is the heaviest on our list, but it’s notably lightweight when compared to full-sized strollers that typically offer this level of functionality. Erin was also a fan of how easy this stroller was to push and steer on flat ground, thanks to the spring suspension and rear wheel shock absorbers. She loved its “gliding feeling when you are on smooth terrain,” making it a dream to maneuver in stores or around a neighborhood with flat sidewalks, but did note it was a harder push on rough terrain. Although the handlebar isn’t adjustable, it got high marks for its comfortable grip and ideal height, especially for taller parents. Erin (5’7”) noted it came up to her belly button, and her even taller husband “loved how far it came out” compared to other strollers that hurt his shoulders after longer walks.

The Peg Perego Vivace’s super straightforward folding and unfolding further impressed Erin. While it took a moment to master, it was smooth sailing from here. “Oh my goodness! My absolute favorite part about this stroller by far!” she gushes. She could fold it with one hand, and it became “extremely compact for a stroller this size”—small enough to easily fit into a nook in her closet; plus, it’s self-standing when folded.

Other standout features for Erin included the large sun canopy, which she described as “awesome”, and the easy-use brake. “I really like that it had a green and red picture that flips when it is locked (red) and when it is unlocked (green) because you can't always hear the click when you lock it or unlock it.” Erin found the buckle and footrest easy to use and adjust, and the open-sided basket held items securely and provided easy access. “I honestly love the stroller,” she enthuses. “It really has a sleek look and the folding/unfolding aspect of it is an absolute game changer for storage and making it easy to travel with.”

Suitable from: Birth | Dimensions (open): 20" (W) x 36" (L) x 41" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 20" (W) x 15" (L) x 28" (H) | Weight: 20.7 lbs. | Capacity: 50 lbs. | One-handed fold: Yes | Carry strap: No | Car seat-compatible: Yes