Best Lightweight Travel Strollers in 2023
Carrying your baby around the airport can be incredibly stressful, for both you and them. Not only will you soon get tired, but chances are that your little one is going to get anxious too. And nobody wants that, right?
That is why you should bring a stroller to the airport, but not any kind. A good, portable travel stroller.
What’s the difference? Jogging strollers are usually packed with features and storage space, and they can get really bulky and heavy. Because of that, airport security will not allow you to check them – you can only check travel strollers. The same often goes for larger strollers for bigger kids, so just check to be sure.
I’ll talk a little bit more about the details later. For now, all you need to know is that I’m going to find you the best travel stroller money can buy. Some will be pretty affordable, and others won’t be as cheap, but there will be something for everyone’s budget.
So, if you want to travel worry-free with your little one this summer, enjoy this review.
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Top Products
Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
The Baby Trend Rocket stroller is great for traveling because it’s very lightweight it takes up very little space when folded. This is also an umbrella stroller since it does fold up just like an umbrella.
Good Features
This particular travel stroller features a reclining seat, but it can only recline 4-6 inches. So, it might not be the best one for nap time, but it will do just fine for transport from point A to point B.
It also features a large shade canopy, which will protect your child from the sun. And there is a large storage basket underneath the seat for any on-the-go necessities for the little one.
But there is also a spot for you to put all your things – the parent organizer, which has two cup holders and a pocket just large enough to fit your phone or wallet.
Other good features of this travel stroller include a 5-point harness designed to keep your child safe at all times. And for you, there are the comfort grip handles that make it easier to push around.
Annoying Features
The shade of the stroller is good for small babies, but it won’t do much for larger toddlers. It is pretty small, and keep in mind that your child could grow it out very quickly.
The reclining feature could be much better, as 4-6 inches really isn’t a lot. Your child will be sitting straight up most of the time, which certainly won’t be helpful when it’s nap time.
Pros
- Decent recline
- Large shade canopy
- 5 point harness
Cons
- Not good for large toddlers
- Recline could be better
Product Information
- Dimensions: 29.5 x 40.55 x 18.3 in
- Weight: 12.5lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 50 lbs
- Price Range: $
ZOE XL1 BEST v2 Lightweight Stroller
The ZOE XL1 stroller is a great purchase, but it’s definitely not for everyone’s budget. It is incredibly lightweight – with only 9lbs, it might just weigh less than the child in it!
Good Features
Just look at the size of that canopy. It will do a great job at protecting your baby from the sun, regardless of the angle it’s coming from. And it’s adjustable – you can fold it and extended it as much as you need.
The seat of the Zoe travel stroller can recline up to 135 degrees (90 is upright, and 180 is flat). So, it is very adjustable and it will work perfectly for getting your baby to lie back when it’s time to sleep.
You will also get plenty of accessories and storage space with this stroller. The storage basket below the seat is pretty large, and there is also a rear canopy storage pocket. The lightweight stroller also comes with a cup holder for both you and the baby, and a snack cup for them.
Annoying Features
I wouldn’t say that any of the features on this lightweight stroller are bad – you get what you pay for.
The only thing that would make it better is a lower price tag so that more people could afford to get it!
Pros
- Large canopy
- Great recline
- Lots of accessories
Cons
- High price
Product Information
- Closed Dimensions: 26.5" (height) x 15.5" (width) x 7" (depth)
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 50 lbs
- Price Range: $$
Pockit Lightweight Stroller
What’s so special about this lightweight stroller? Well, just look at the second photo.
That’s how the GB Pockit looks when completely folded – it can literally fit in your purse, and without a doubt in your carry-on. You wouldn’t even have to check it, and it would certainly make traveling with the little one so much easier.
Good Features
This lightweight travel stroller is packed with features, so let’s get straight into them. There is a storage basket below the seat, and it can hold up to 11 lbs, which is just enough for an extra blanket or a bottle.
The wheels can be locked and unlocked. When unlocked, they can turn 360 degrees each, which means excellent maneuverability. When you lock them, you will have more stability on uneven surfaces, since they won’t be able to rotate.
The harness is fully adjustable, and it features a 5 point safety system, along with shoulder and crotch pads for the comfort of your little one.
Annoying Features
Well, the canopy of the GB Pockit stroller is pretty small and practically non-existent. It won’t really protect your child from the sun, and so the manufacturer wants you to purchase an additional, larger shade that you attach to this lightweight stroller.
But there is some good news – you can get a much larger shade for less than $15. I’d say that it’s worth it, but that is up to you to decide.
The seat doesn’t recline at all. However, most moms didn’t encounter this to be an issue since their children could comfortably sleep in this stroller.
Pros
- Great storage basket
- Wheel locks
- Maneuverability
- Adjustable harness
Cons
- Small canopy
- No recline
Product Information
- Closed Dimensions: 12" x 7" 14"
- Weight: 9.5 lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 55 lbs
- Price Range: $$$
Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
The Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller is one of the most popular ones in the market. That’s mostly because it’s travel-friendly, it is very affordable and packed with features.
Good Features
The seat can recline to a nearly flat position, which is super convenient for nap time and changing diapers on the go. Plus the 5 point safety harness can be adjusted to several different height positions so that you can make it fit your child as it grows.
This stroller comes with a large, adjustable canopy that will protect your baby from the sun. The canopy can be extended far beyond that point.
You will also have plenty of storage space in this travel stroller. There is a large basket below the seat, which can comfortably fit diaper bags and even purses. And there is also a rear storage pocket, for all necessities you need handy – keys, phone, and whatnot.
Annoying Features
Well, the stroller weighs less than 20 lbs, so you shouldn’t have any issues checking it at the airport. But this is one of the heaviest strollers we checked out today and that is a downside.
With other brands, you can get a product that is 5-6 pounds lighter, and that ultimately makes it more portable.
Just one cup holder. And that means that you can use it for either the baby’s bottle or your own one. The stroller is a really good purchase overall, but I think it would be much better if it had just one more cup holder.
The wheels aren’t the best ones in the market. You might have issues with them breaking or falling off, and they are just not that sturdy overall. But they are okay for a stroller you won’t be using on a daily basis.
Pros
- Nearly flat recline
- Large adjustable canopy
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Very heavy
- Only one cup holder
Product Information
- Dimensions: 41 x 8.75 x 10 in
- Weight: 15.87 lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 50 lbs
- Price Range: $
Evezo 2141A Recliner Lightweight Stroller
The Evezo stroller is reclinable and lightweight. It’s obviously collapsible, and it’s a good and affordable travel stroller. Definitely not the best one out of the bunch, but maybe it is the best one in its price range.
Good Features
I would honestly say that the best thing about this stroller is the fun and colorful canopy. It is adjustable, and you can let your child enjoy the sun for a little while, and then completely shield them from it.
Tip: The stroller with the pink canopy is the cheapest option.
Like I mentioned, the seat can be reclined from a folly upright position to a crib-like one. So, it will be perfectly comfortable for your baby to lie in this lightweight travel stroller.
As for storage space, you don’t get too much, but you do get something. This stroller has a basket below the seat, which could fit an extra blanket and I’m afraid not much else. But you also get a pocket on the back, for any of your own necessities.
But in terms of safety, you get plenty. Not only does the harness have a 5 point safety system, but there is also a collision bar at the front that will stop your child from accidentally falling out of the stroller.
Annoying Features
Again, when compared to other strollers, this one is much heavier than most of them. The difference is that big, I mean it still conforms to airline standards. But, you are looking for the best travel stroller, and that one is going to be light like a feather.
Pros
- Colorful canopy
- Great recline
- Ok storage
Cons
- Heavy
Product Information
- Dimensions: 32 x 11 x 39 in
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 40 lbs
- Price Range: $
Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
A real lightweight stroller for travel is the Mountain Buggy Nano. It’s super popular with traveling parents and for the price offers a lot of features that you certainly won’t sneeze at.
For starters, it can recline, which is great for that tired baby on your arm while traveling. The latest Version V3 also full reclines if you want that option, but it’s not for everyone.
The flip-out sun visor is a lifesaver if you are waiting around on a sunny afternoon but obviously adds to the bulk of traveling. And the large under seat basket is a godsend when you just have too much to carry. But, weighing in at only 13lbs and with a folded size of 12 x 22 x 20 inches, it’s hard to beat in terms of portability.
Last but not least, the wheels of the Mountain Buggy Nano can be removed, on top of the already compact fold, for those wanting to slot it into the overhead bin, even though many airlines ask you to check travel strollers.
Pros
- Small, light and compact
- Underseat storage
- Sunvisor
- Reclines for naps
Cons
- Sunshade can get in the way
- Not the simplest to fold
Product Information
- Dimensions: 12 x 22 x 20 inches
- Weight: 13 lbs
- Carrying Capacity: up to 44 lbs
- Price Range: $$
What’s A Travel Stroller & Why You Need One
A travel stroller is a lightweight, collapsible stroller that was designed to be portable. The best ones weigh less than 20lbs – anything heavier and most airlines will not allow you to check it at the gate. That would mean that you won’t get it back before baggage claim, which would certainly be inconvenient if you happen to have a long layover.
You need a travel stroller because it will make flying with your baby much easier. For one thing, you can check a lightweight portable stroller at the gate, which means you get it back as soon as you deplane.
That is particularly beneficial for parents who have a very young baby, or who have to switch planes and spend another couple of hours at the airport. And the same goes for driving or traveling via bus or train.
Also, do you really think it will be fun to drag around your fancy jogging stroller while you are on vacation? Of course not! It might be so good and have all the accessories you need, but it’s not really travel-compatible.
Checking A Stroller At The Ticket Counter Vs. Gate
If you check your stroller at the ticket counter, you will get it with the rest of your checked baggage. If you don’t think that you will need it before, then you can check it there.
But keep in mind that it will be treated just like all your other luggage. Remember those scuffs your brand new Samsonite suffered the last time you checked it? Just imagine what the stroller will look like.
So, be sure to remove all accessories from it, particularly anything that dangles. It won’t be treated gently, and chances are that it could break, or some things could come apart from it and you wouldn’t see them again.
If you check your stroller at the gate, then you should get it back as soon as you get off your plane. That would certainly help to transport your child through customs and immigration, and even more so if you have to get on another flight.
But keep in mind that you can only check collapsible strollers up to 20 lbs at the gate. Heavy and non-collapsible ones must be checked at the ticket counter.
Always take your time to weigh your options and figure out which of these suits you best.
Bringing A Stroller Inside The Cabin…
…is something US airlines will not let you do. However, some European airlines allow you to bring your (travel) stroller inside the cabin, depending on how much space they have left in the plane. And naturally, depending on the size of the stroller – they won’t let you carry it on if it can’t fit in the overhead compartment.
Things To Keep In Mind
Size Of The Stroller
Travel strollers come in many different sizes, and you always need to make sure that the one you buy will fit your child. Some are designed for newborns, while others can fit children that are up to 50lbs. Definitely check for this information – I will put it in the Product Info box at the bottom of each section, so it should be easy to find.
But none of them are for twins, so if you need that, check out this post here.
One more thing – the smaller the stroller the better. It will be easier to transport from one place to another, it will be easier to carry around the town or the beach (check out our top 20 beach essentials for toddlers), and it’s just easier to travel with. Definitely try to pick the smallest one, but that can still fit your baby.
Price Of The Stroller
Just like everything else, travel strollers come with different price tags. You will find some really affordable ones, but also some that are probably more expensive than your suitcase.
Define your budget – if you can’t afford to spend $100 on a travel stroller, then don’t. I will find you something cheaper, so you don’t have to splurge. But I will also find some more expensive ones, for luxury lovers.
Anyway, look for price range info at the bottom of each section. And here’s how you can immediately know if the travel stroller you have your eyes on is within your budget:
- $ – Less than $100
- $$ – Over $100
- $$$ – Over $150
Car Seat Compatible
Although you may or may not be bringing your infant car seat with you, it is handy to have a car seat compatible stroller if you are driving at your destination. There is nothing worse than having to take your child out of the stroller, and then into the car seat or vice versa. Not all car seats fit in all strollers of course, so it pays to check the specifications before buying.
What Are The Best Travel Strollers For You?
Well, that depends on a couple of things – your budget and the size of your child.
If you are looking for a cheap product that you don’t really need to be super functional because you already have a kickass jogging stroller, then I would recommend the Evezo 2141A Recliner Lightweight Travel Stroller. It is probably the best value for money out of the bunch since it is equipped with a ton of useful features that you normally wouldn’t expect from a travel stroller.
And it’s pretty affordable, so you don’t really need to go out of your budget. This travel stroller can fit babies and toddlers who weigh up to 50 lbs, which pretty much means that it’s suitable for all small children. The only downside? Well, it’s not as lightweight as it could be. But it is still under 20 lbs, which is pretty much all you need to care about.
- Steel frame. Net weight of 16 pounds. Product dimension is 39 X 11 X 32 inches.
- Recommended age for use is 6 months to 3 years old. Accommodate your baby up to 40 pounds.
I would say that the ZOE XL1 BEST is the best mid-range stroller. It’s expensive but not too expensive, and all of its cool features make the high price tag worth it. Plus you get a ton of accessories with it, so it’s definitely great value for money. This travel stroller has one of the best and largest canopies out of the bunch, which is pretty important for your baby’s safety.
Plus it can carry up to 50lbs without a hitch, so your child won’t outgrow it so quickly. And did I mention that you get plenty of storage space, for both your and your child’s on-the-go necessities?
I also really liked the GB Pockit travel stroller. Yes, it is pretty expensive, but it’s also the only stroller that can actually fit inside your purse when folded. So, you will be able to store it in the overhead compartment of any plane without an issue. Or just in your carry-on. It might not come with a ton of accessories or storage space, but that isn’t what we’re looking for anywhere.
We’re looking for the best portable and convenient stroller, and the Pockit sure looks like one. And for one that can fit your baby perfectly, and this stroller will, as long as your kid isn’t over the 55 lb weight limit.
- WORLD’S SMALLEST FOLDING STROLLER - With its innovative two-step folding design, the Pockit is the 2014 Guiness World Records most compact stroller folding down to 11.8” x 7” x 13.8” and a weight of 9.5 pounds
- SMALL BUT STRONG - Built using high quality, durable materials, the Pockit can hold a child from 6 months up to 55 pounds as well as 11 pounds of gear in its convenient storage basket
Those are my favorites! I really hope you found a stroller you loved. If you did, be sure to check it out on Amazon. There is always some kind of sale going on there, so you’ll be able to get a pretty good deal!
