If you are wondering what are the best travel strollers for holidays or your vacation, then this guide on the best strollers for travel will help you: We’ve tried several ourselves and so have our readers.
- Compare features of various styles of top travel buggies including single and double travel strollers.
- Discover the pros and cons of each type of travel pushchair, with real parents opinions.
- Learn about all the small folding strollers available and which is the best compact stroller.
- Find the best lightweight baby stroller which works for your needs.
What is the Best Stroller for Travel 2023?
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The following pushchairs are some of the best travel strollers available, with a strong emphasis on being light and portable as well as being a practical foldable pram for travel.
They don’t have all the features that you would expect from a travel system, however some are very close! Some reviews look at the best umbrella stroller for travel for you, whilst others look at more compact options.
What kind of travelling stroller can I take on a plane?
You can take any stroller on the plane for free. They normally need to go in the airplane hold, where your suitcases go.
However, some of these pushchairs are so compact that they are suitable for plane travel and fold up small enough to be considered an airline friendly stroller and as hand luggage!
When we used one of these collapsible strollers, it was so incredibly useful – especially with a heavy toddler. If you don’t require a compact folding umbrella or backpack stroller to take on to the plane, there are some airports and airlines which offer airport strollers to use during transit, often for free.
Compact and lightweight features make a practical choice of travel stroller. Airplane wise, double strollers are unlikely to fit in the overhead stowage bins, but will be permitted to go in the hold. A compact fold stroller will sometimes meet the measurement criteria of hand baggage.
What Are The Pros And Cons For Flying With A Travel Stroller?
The benefit of having a really compact stroller or travel pram as your carry on means that you can literally land, pop baby into the pram and walk down the aisle and off the plane towards baggage reclaim (providing there is an airbridge of course.)
Here I am doing exactly that with the BabyZen YoYo plus on an Easyjet flight. It folds up more compactly than an umbrella stroller!
Some of the best umbrella strollers for travel are also included in the comparison chart below. Others factors to consider include the sun protection offered and if the stroller reclines for naps.
For travelling by air, you may wish to consider a stroller travel or gate check bag, unless you have a cabin baggage approved stroller.
Not only will this help to protect it in the aircraft hold, but you can add a few nappies/diapers and other items to help protect it further and save a bit of space in your suitcase! Here are some of the best stroller travel bags to help protect your travel pushchair.
What kind of stroller can I take on a plane?
All strollers can go in the hold of an airplane – this is usually in addition to your normal baggage allowance. If you wish to have a stroller on a plane and have it in the cabin with you, then there is no guarantee it will be allowed, unless it fits into your airlines cabin baggage restrictions and is a particularly compact collapsible stroller for air travel.
In which case, it is often considered as 1 piece of your cabin baggage allowance. So you may have to decide between your normal carry on bag and bringing a travel stroller actually inside the cabin. If you are traveling with another adult, then this is pretty easy to do. (N.B. Lightweight strollers for travel by plane are listed below too).
Can you take a double stroller on an airplane?
Absolutely, but as it will not fit as cabin baggage it will need to go in the hold. You can either check it in with your bags or gate check it before you board your flight.
Can you take a stroller through airport security?
Yes, you will need to if you are gate checking or taking it as hand luggage. If it folds up compactly, you can put it through the X-ray machine, otherwise it will need to be manually inspected.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best travel stroller (read further below for in-depth reviews, a comparison chart and further options)
- Best Buys Overall: Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller , Mountain Buggy Nano , Maclaren Quest Arc Stroller
- Best Budget: Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller
- Best High-End: BabyZen YoYo2, Joolz Aer+ and Bugaboo Butterfly
- Best for Airplane Travel: Mountain Buggy Nano Bugaboo Butterfly and BabyZen YoYo2
- Most Lightweight: GB Pockit + All City
- Most Super compact stroller if additional features are not needed GB Pockit + All City and Baby Joy lightweight
Best Lightweight Compact Stroller For Traveling Comparison Chart
| Name | Image | Weight | Single fold | Reclines | Fits as cabin baggage? | More info |
| GB Pockit Stroller |   | 9.5lbs/ 4.4kgs | No | No | Yes | Latest price See here |
| gb Pockit+ All City |   | 12.5lbs/5.7kgs | No | Yes | Yes | Latest price see here |
| BABYZEN YOYO2 Stroller |   | 13lbs/6.2kg | No (however easy to fold / unfold) | Yes | Yes | Latest price here |
| Silver Cross Jet 3 |   | 13 pounds/6kg | No | Yes | Yes | Latest price here |
| Baby Joy Lightweight Stroller |   | 15lbs/7kg | No | Yes – 3 seating modes including 150 degree recline | Yes | Latest price here |
| Baby Jogger City Tour 2 |   | 14lbs/6.5kgs | Yes | Yes | Only some airlines | Latest price here |
| Baby Jogger City Mini |   | 17.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | Only some airlines | Latest price here |
| UPPABaby G-Lite Denny | 11lbs | No | Yes | No | Latest price see here | |
| Mountain Buggy Nano |   | 13 pounds/ 6kg | No | Yes | No | Latest price here |
| Summer 3Dlite |   | 13lbs/6.2kg | No | Yes | No | Latest price here |
| Zoe Double Stroller |   | 16lbs/7.3kgs | Yes | Yes | No | Latest price here |
| Joovy Kooper X2 Double Stroller |   | 28lbs/12.5kgs | No | Yes | No | Latest price here |
| Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 |   | 31.8 lbs/14.4kgs | Yes | Yes | No | Latest price here |
| Maclaren Quest Arc Stroller |   | 13.7lb | Yes | Yes – 4 Positions | Depends | Latest price here |
Things to Consider When Buying a Travel Stroller
Here are some of the most important things to think about when looking for the best travel stroller.
1. Size and Weight
The main differences between a regular stroller and a travel stroller are the size and weight. The best strollers for travel are considerably lighter and usually a lot smaller than their heavier counterparts.
Lightweight travel strollers may have less features and comfort but that is the tradeoff for the other practical features. The best traveling strollers for long days out are those that are lightweight and small enough to lug around and store, yet feature extras such as recline, a sun canopy and a decent storage basket underneath.
2. Sun Cover Canopy and UV protection
I found for me the recline and sun canopy was the most important when flying with a baby or young toddler. If your stroller doesn’t have a decent size sun canopy, look into the best stroller sunshades which fit most pushchairs.
3. Your Travel Needs
What sort of travel will you be doing can impact the type of travel pushchair you need. Is it the best buggy for your holiday or vacation?
Does it need to fit as carryon on an aircraft or can it manage cobblestones in Europe? Does it need to be lightest travel stroller or one with more features?
Will it be used for short distances and to help transport your bags or will you need it for long day trips and naps during the day?
Who is it for – will you need a double stroller for slightly older kids if heading out to Disney World or one that is suitable for a younger baby – if so does it need an additional insert?
4. Recline And Other Features
As mentioned above, several lightweight strollers offer a recline function and a fairly decent sun canopy, but you may need to compromise on the storage basket. For instance, you could forego a large storage basket for a comfortable backpack.
Often you can buy accessories like cup holders, bag clips/ stroller purse clip hooks to make the stroller more convenient. (I found my buggy clip invaluable, especially if the storage basket was small). Decide which features are an absolute must for you, and ones you could compromise on. For example, you are unlikely to find a travel lightweight stroller with a tray.
5. Ease of Folding
If you are flying or travelling solo, then an easy folding function is a must when you are looking for the best compact travel stroller. Some of the best foldable strollers for travel can quickly and easily be folded up using just one hand – incredibly convenient if you need to carry your baby with the other arm! The good news is that most foldable prams for travel, are easy to use!
6. Cost
There are some all singing/all dancing travel strollers out there – but these do come with a higher price tag. When you are looking for the best strollers for traveling, shop around and look for the best deals.
Check if companies offer price match – often if you cut the middle man out you can find a better deal too. Also look into second hands strollers, or perhaps borrow a friends?
What is the Best Stroller for Airplane Travel?
Reviews of the Best Travel Strollers for 2023
Best Stroller For Travel | What are their Pros & Cons For Flying?
The GB Pockit + All Terrain is an upgrade from the original GB Pockit and tweaks have it made it stronger, more robust, and even more practical for travel.
This newer version benefits from a recline function, a sun canopy whilst still folding up incredibly compactly, making it a fully collapsible stroller.
It folds down in 2 simple steps and can be carried effortlessly via the attached handle. It is now considerably heavier at 12.3lbs/5.6kgs than its predecessor, but it is still a very lightweight travel stroller, which can be moved with one hand.
Included are adapters to click onto a CYBEX infant car seat.
The Pockit Plus model has also been updated, and the Pockit + All City is the 2019 version. This version is slightly lighter at 12.5lbs/5.7kgs and folds up really compactly L19 xW 33 x H48cm (7.5 x 13 x19") and is suitable for 9 - 17 kg/From 6 months up to approx. 4 years.
Another Flying With A Baby reader reports back that, "It is extremely lightweight - so you can not hang a bag over the handles and it's one of the best compact strollers making it great for family travel" Pros- Can be used as cabin baggage. It is one of the strollers that fits in an overhead compartment and it will even fit under the seat.
- Front wheels can be locked to a stationary position or left to swivel
- It's really small and often listed as the best stroller for airplane travel due to its size.
- One of the best lightweight strollers for toddlers.
- Only suitable for babies aged 6 months plus.
- Sun canopy does not offer a great deal of protection but a bit more than its predecessor.
- The Pockit+ All City folds up into a compact, handbag shaped package in seconds and is airplane carry-on compliant
- Travel system ready with any CYBEX infant car seat using the included adapters
- Spacious shopping basket to store away your belongings (11 lb. capacity)
- Large integrated sun canopy offers increased sun protection with UPF50+
- Adjustable seatback with multiple recline positions for customizable comfort
The updated version of the popular G-Lite travel pushchair is now reclinable and even lighter at 11lbs. It has lost the function to stand up by itself - but for the lightness that's not a huge inconvenience. This umbrella stroller (with shoulder harness) has dual wheels.
The seat has a breathable mesh for those hot days and the basket is very reasonably sized for a reclining umbrella stroller. The large UPF canopy is an improvement with an additional pop out sun visor. However, some readers have said the seat doesn't offer enough support for a younger baby. It's officially suitable from 6 months to 55 lbs
A cup holder comes as standard - (yay!) The price is also very reasonable for all the functions making it one of the best umbrella strollers and a great all rounder. For more information and latest price for the UPPABaby G-Lite, see here.
Pros- Very light 11.2lbs/5.08kgs
- Large sun canopy
- Can hold up to 55lbs
- Price
- A smaller recline than some.
- Suitable from 6 months only
This is a popular mid way budget lightweight stroller for travel (13lbs/6.2kg). An appealing feature is it reclines to a nearly flat position and is easy to manoeuvre on flat surfaces - it can be clunky on cobblestones. However, the manufacturer states the minimum age is 6 months and above.
A carry strap and compact fold helps make it easy to transport. It can be used until your little one reaches 50lbs - making it a good lightweight stroller for toddlers and beyond. The sun protection is average, but the pop out bit offers more than other budget strollers.
Additionally, a CoziGo or Snoozeshade can easily be attached to offer more protection, so this is not a deal breaker.
What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:"Portable, lightweight and pretty sturdy. We used it extensively on cobbled Italian roads, smooth US roads and Mexican roads as well. We liked our compact baby stroller"
Pros:- Price
- Near flat recline but for age 6 months and above.
- Has a variety of storage: A cup holder, pocket on the back, and storage underneath
- Provides more shade than cheaper umbrella strollers
- Legs can dangle a bit if child is tall.
This pram is lightweight at 13.4 lbs/6.07kg and fits in airline overhead bins. The reclinable seat gives ultimate neck & back support and can carry up to 49lbs. The buggy is suitable for children that cans sit unaided. Usually after 6 months old, but in addition you can add the AER+ carrycot on the stroller and then it is suitable for newborns.
- Lasts from 6 months to 4 years old
- solid one-hand open/close
- The seat has no leg rest but can be purchased separately.
- On the pricier end
With an extendable sun canopy, 4 position recline and extendable footrest, this travel stroller offers a lot of benefits when traveling with kids. At 13.7lb, it's lighter than the Mclaren XT, has a few less features, smaller wheels, but still has plenty of perks. The Quest arc includes a wind-resistant raincover and is compatible with the Maclaren Carrycot. All Maclaren strollers have waterproof/ UPF 50+ hoods to protect from the elements and machine washable seats.
It can be used as an infant travel stroller if you purchase the bassinet which attaches to the seat.
Pros- Light - weighs 13.7lb
- Can fold with one hand.
- Easy to manoeuvre.
- 4 position recline
- extendable footrest
- extendable sun canopy
- Ideal for newborns (with the newborn cocoon insert) and children up to 55lb.
- I can’t think of any says our Mclaren owner!
This is another stroller which meets most airlines cabin baggage allowances and joins the ranks of the few strollers that fit in the overhead bin. It weighs in at a very light 13lbs/6.2kg in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet.
The BabyZen YoYo is consistently rated highly as a contender for the best lightweight travel stroller due many of its specifications and additional features.
These include a storage bag and a shoulder strap so you can easily carry the BabyZen on board a plane. It's narrow enough to fit in most airplane aisles and will easily fit into the hat rack. The folded dimensions are (52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in
Out and about, this compact travel stroller feels sturdy and is often used as a daily stroller because of all the practical feature; including multi recline, a sun canopy, rain cover and generous under seat storage.Basket supports up to 5 kg (11 lbs)
Although the pushchair is on the pricey end of the market - it just may your most used bit of baby kit. Particularly if it is used daily and used for travel, then it may save you from buying a separate travel buggy. These airplane strollers are also quite popular in Europe because they fit through narrow doorways.
Another bonus is it can handle cobbled stones, at least on a temporary basis. Yes, it is best for flat surfaces so there were a few bumps, but when I trialled it, the YoYo managed them surprisingly well, despite not being built for this. For long term use on cobbled streets, I think you will need something with more suitable wheels for a more comfortable ride.
I have also seen it consistently recommended by parents when anyone asks them what the best travel stroller is.
This travel stroller is suitable for babies aged over 6 months, but you can buy a newborn pack as an additional feature to make it a lie flat stroller. This pushchair can be used in parent-facing mode from birth and front facing from 6+ months up until 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Whats included: YOYO2 Stroller includes a frame, 5-point harness, multi-position reclining backrest, canopy extensions, shoulder strap, protective storage bag & the 6+ Color Pack, which includes the seat cushion & matching canopy.
Pros- Easy to fold and unfold
- UPF 50+ sun protection canopy
- Reclinable
- Shoulder strap
- (Folded dimensions are 52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in)
- Quite pricey
The Silver Cross Jet 3 boasts a coordinating, fully-extendable UPF 50+ hood with an air-flow ventilation system, rear wheel brakes, front wheel suspension and is very light thanks to the aluminium frame.
This compact stroller has a fully extendable UPF50+ hood has an air-flow ventilation system with pop-out sun visor.
Best of all, it folds small enough to fit in most cabin space on an airplane and can even be wheeled like a small suitcase!
- Weight:13 pounds/6kg
- Folded: D7" W11.8" x H21.65" (D18cm W30cm H55cm)
- Age suitable for: Birth up to 40lbs in USA/15kgs in UK
At 13lbs/6kg, this lightweight stroller has a full-size, padded seat with an adjustable leg rest and multi-position recline.
The seat can almost go into a lie-flat mode, making it one of the best reclining strollers for travel. However there is a newborn cocoon available as an extra.
Like the BabyZen YoYo 2, this compact stroller comes with a carry handle and carry strap plus a travel bag. For most airline hand baggage rules, the Nano is too big to be considered as hand luggage, despite it being very compact.
The rain cover does need to be bought separately. It cannot fold one handed but feels sturdy. It's travel system ready with universal car seat adaptors included to easily attach an infant car seat.
Max Weight Capacity: 20 kg/44lbs
What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:"We would be lost without our Mountain Buggy Nano. It has been on almost 50 flights in 18 months and is still in the best condition. Great recline too!"
Pros- The narrow frame is good for narrow streets and doorways.
- Can be pushed one-handed easily.
- A good lightweight reclining stroller.
- Fits into overhead storage compartments (if permitted.)
- Suitable for up to 44 lbs/4 year old
- 12 x 22 x 20 inches when folded
- Cannot be folded with one hand.
- Can be a bit tricky down a set of steps due to the small wheels.
- full recline fabric sling seat providing a lie flat mode that is perfect for newborns
- ultra lightweight at less than 6kg / 13lbs with a carry handle and shoulder strap - ideal for travel or the perfect secondary buggy
- easy two-step compact fold designed to fit in many carry-on luggage units or to leave in the car for quick trips
- travel system ready with universal car seat adaptors included to easily attach an infant car seat
- additional newborn comfort when paired with our additional cocoon essential accessory.
The stroller has an easy one handed fold using two buttons pressed together and it can be done with one hand. As you flick it open it often goes straight into place, but other times I have to push the back of the seat to click it all into place (I can use my knee so still one handed)
Folding it down is also done with the same two buttons pressed together and pushing down on the handle.
It doesn’t lie flat and therefore is only suitable from 6 months but it lies back enough to look comfortable for longer sleeps (111°-145°). There are two positions, upright and reclined and it can be changed one handed between the two. The seat is only forward facing.
This Bugaboo stroller is designed for children up to 22kg/around 4 years which is bigger than most in the travel stroller category. My petite 6 year old (21.5kg) has ridden in it on some longer days and it is still easy to push and tall enough in the seat to handle her. At 5 foot 9, I often struggle with stroller’s that don’t have a height adjustable bar, but I find the Butterfly is still comfortable to push.
The basket is a reasonable size and I can fit our changing bag under there. Officially, it can carry up to 8kg and I found it easier to access from the front rather than the back.
Once folded, the stroller is a very compact 45 x 23 x 54 cm which means it fits in most car boots (we have a Ford S Max 7 seater and with all 7 seats up I could fit in several folded Butterflys).
It it also approved as cabin luggage and can slide into the overhead lockers easily..
We have tried it so far on Air India, British Airways and Vietnam Airlines and it was a comfortable fit in the lockers – something that made a stopover much more comfortable for all of us! It is unusual to be given your pushchair or stroller back for stopovers as you will usually collect any stroller at your final destination. Being able to use a super compact foldable stroller in-between connecting flights was incredibly useful! Read more on the Bugaboo Butterfly here.
- Weight: 7.3 kg
- Dimensions when folded: 45 x 23 x 54 cm
- Recline: Yes
- Storage Basket: Yes
- Travel Bag?: No
- Sun Canopy: Yes
- Max Weight Capacity: 22kg
- Age suitable for: 6 months – 4 years
- Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes - with adaptors available separately. Compatible with Bugaboo Turtle One and Air by Nuna & other Maxi-Cosi® infant car seats.
- Dimensions unfolded 92.5 x 45 x 102.4 cm
The Baby Joy is a great option if you are looking for a cabin size stroller and comes with a sturdy bag for convenient carrying, making it a backpack pushchair. It doesn't recline fully but 150 degrees is close.
The Baby Joy is so small in measurements that it meets most airline cabin baggage rules when folded. This compact stroller weighs 15 lbs and measures 20" x 10" x 28.5" (L x W x H) when folded.
Pros:
- 3 seating modes including 150 degree recline
- 3 footrest modes
- Weight: 15lbs
- Folded 20" x 10" x 28.5" (L x W x H)
- Age suitable for: 50 lbs/22.6kg This lightweight stroller is suitable for 6-36 months babies and toddlers.
Another incredibly popular stroller, one that ALWAYS comes up on Disney World and Disneyland posts as well as my Flying With A Baby Facebook page. The new Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is heavier than the ones mentioned above, but versatile from birth to older toddler, and is compatible with car seats seats. One hand fold, multiple recline positions, a UV extendable hood, swivel wheels make it a great all rounder. It fits in with some airline cabin baggage allowances, such as JetBlue, Turkish Airlines etc but is otherwise generally over these requirements.
- Weight: 14lbs/6.5kgs
- Folded: 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 9cm (21.6" X16.9" X 6.8")
- Age suitable for: Up to 45lbs/22kg For more information and latest prices see here
(Review by Charlotte Fletcher, mum of a now 1 year old and 4 year old).
I know a buggy is an incredibly personal choice but I really have great things to say about the Baby Jogger City Mini when flying with a toddler
We bought a Maclaren run around when we started travelling with our son but when that broke we replaced it with the Baby Jogger and three years and another little one down the line and it's still going strong, in spite of all sorts of rough treatment from the baggage handlers.
It's just as travel-friendly - folds down super easily, is nippy and light - but feels much more solid and comfortable for the little ones. It feels more like a flight-friendly regular buggy than a buggy you buy specifically for flights.
City Mini® 2 can be used from baby's first day according to the Baby Jogger website and has 4 different modes of use as a single or double with an infant car seat, pram, or glider board (sold separately
Pros- Light - weighs 17.8 lbs
- Can fold with one hand.
- Easy to manoeuvre.
- Seat tilts back to flat for nap time on the go..
- Create a travel system with most Britax, Chicco, Clek, Cybex, Graco, Maxi Cosi, Peg Perego, and UPPAbaby infant car seats (adapters for other brands' infant car seats sold separately)
- I can’t think of any!
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE STROLLER FOR TRAVEL
The following strollers have all been recommended by readers of Flying With A Baby. If you are flying with twins or two little ones, a compact and lightweight double stroller is probably on your essential list! Double strollers are also allowed as hold luggage but be aware that with American Airlines you will not be able to gate check it if it weighs over 20lbs - which most do.
The Zoe is only available in the USA, which is a shame as it's not only a practical double travel stroller, but a super lightweight twin stroller for travel too. The recommended age according to Zoe is 3 months +
It is incredibly light at 16lbs, meaning it can even be gate checked on American Airlines! It's easy to fold and to open. Each seat reclines separately, but not completely flat. The sun canopy is generous for a travel stroller.
At 28lbs this double travel stroller is still light and portable. It comes with 3 cup holders and each seat individually reclines.
The extra-wide seats offer maximum comfort as your children grow. The Kooper X2 folds compactly (with the trays) for travel, has one hand fold, and includes a huge, UPF 50 canopy - perfect for sunny days!
Built-in Storage: mesh cup holder and zipper pocket for keys and drinks. Plus large lower storage space, with a whopping 15 lbs capacity.
Folded dimensions: 26” L x 30.3” W x 12.8” H
Like its popular single stroller model, the seats recline to near flat position and the adjustable canopy hoods offer peek through flaps.
Each seat unit is suitable for children from birth to 50 lb (22.5 kg). Maximum height: 44 in (112 cm). The total weight load recommended for this stroller is 114 lb (51.5 kg). 50 lb (22.kg) on each seat, 2lb (1 kg) in each seat back pocket and 10 lb (4.5 kg) in basket.
This travel buggy is heavier at 31.8 lbs but can still be folded single handedly and is a good option if you are looking for a lightweight stroller for toddlers. It's definitely a good contender for the best twin stroller for travel.
- Forever air rubber tires with all-wheel suspension provide a comfortable stroll on any terrain
- Adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake provide comfortable steering and control, all within an arm's reach
- Create a travel system with most Britax, Cybex, Graco, and Maxi Cosi infant car seats (adapters for other brands' infant car seats sold separately)
- one-step quick-fold
- Weight of stroller 31.8 lbs
- near-flat recline seats
- Folded dimensions 76.5 x 77.5 x 32 cm
- Supports children from birth up to 22 kg per seat
The case for taking a larger travel system on the plane.
The Bugaboo Cameleon
Review by me.
We’ve all seen the Cameleon out and about on the streets, but how is it for travelling? It can be tricky to put away, is most definitely not a carry on stroller nor a compact lightweight stroller and it is impossible to dismantle one-handed, with a baby trying to crawl on top of you or it. So why take it on vacation?
It does pack away very neatly in the especially designed Bugaboo travel bag. (I bought mine second hand) The carry handles and/ or wheels (depending on which edition of the bag you have), make it very convenient. You’ll find you will need a few practise goes beforehand, so as to minimise any stress whilst at the airport. (Unless you check it in straight away).
Dismantling it means removing the 4 wheels, removing the bumper bar and folding the frame, taking the carry cot /chair seat off and packing them flat.
(So if you are using the bassinet, you’ll need to remove the black plastic strips, and all the Velcro fastenings).
There seems to be only one way to pack the bag. My only issue is because the bag has a specific shape, it really does leave no room for error.
It can take 5 minutes. (More if stressed!) However, once arriving at our many overseas destinations, it was well worth the effort for us and it’s come with us on every flight so far.
Especially as she was 11 weeks old, we needed something safe and secure with appropriate coverage for our little traveller.
Not only was she used to her pram, and when smaller, she slept had slept in when we attended a couple of weddings, but it also provided adequate shelter from the elements, whether sun, rain or wind. (The free mosquito net came in handy too).
It seems to be a myth that you can’t take your regular stroller or travel system with you on the plane. You can, but to minimise any possibility of damage, I choose to use a stroller bag to minimise damage from any over-zealous baggage handlers.
If you have a young baby, this is a good contender to cover all bases- especially if you anticipate various terrains and weather. For more information on the Bugaboo Cameleon, including all its accessories and latest price, please visit here.
Pros –
- Packs away very neatly.
- Easy to transport once in bag.
- Great to have regular pram at destination.
- Saves buying a new pram for travelling.
- Can use the bassinet as cot if baby is small.
- If using the bag, you can pack extra things inside.
- All terrain wheels which can handle snow and sand.
Cons –
- No room for error as it only packs one way in the bag .
- Can be time-consuming to dismantle.
- Heavy – this is definitely not the best lightweight stroller!
- Need two hands to fold away.
- Price
I hope this guide to the best lightweight travel strollers for 2022 has helped you? Do let me know your favourite or recommendation for the best travel stroller and which one you decided on below!
You may be interested in reading more about the BabyZen YOYO pushchair which I tried recently, and also like to read about some baby carriers.
TRAVEL STROLLER ACCESSORIES
Above we mentioned how it is hard to find the perfect baby travel stroller which meets your every need when out and about. If you do find yourself deliberating between a couple of choices, remember, often accessories can be added, like stroller hooks (my favorite!) or a stroller organizer etc. More ideas and details are below.
Stroller hooks – Strollers hooks are brilliant for purchases, diaper/nappy bags and for adding to strollers that have no basket or other limited storage capacity.
Universal Stroller Organizer – Universal organizers for travel strollers are perfect for keeping everything in one place. Organizers can hold drinks, snacks, phone, tissues and allsorts!
Cup Holders for Travel Strollers – Universal stroller cup holders which fit most travel strollers can be easily bought for added convenience.
Stroller Travel Bags – Stroller travel bags are a great way to help protect your stroller when traveling, particularly if flying. Padded stroller bags offer better protection but are more expensive, but even a polyester gate check bag can help keep straps and buckles together and the stroller clean. Stuffing a few diapers/nappies in discreetly can help protect it too. Some cabin sized strollers already come with their own bag and carrying strap making it easier to stow in the overhead lockers on the plane.
Stroller hooks – Strollers hooks are brilliant for purchases, diaper/nappy bags and for adding to strollers that have no basket or other limited storage capacity.
Universal Stroller Organizer – Universal organizers for travel strollers are perfect for keeping everything in one place. Organizers can hold drinks, snacks, phone, tissues and allsorts!
Cup Holders for Travel Strollers – Universal stroller cup holders which fit most travel strollers can be easily bought for added convenience.
Stroller Travel Bags – Stroller travel bags are a great way to help protect your stroller when traveling, particularly if flying. Padded stroller bags offer better protection but are more expensive, but even a polyester gate check bag can help keep straps and buckles together and the stroller clean. Stuffing a few diapers/nappies in discreetly can help protect it too. Some cabin sized strollers already come with their own bag and carrying strap making it easier to stow in the overhead lockers on the plane.
Other travel gear for kids
If you are heading out and about, you may find these other travel gear items for kids useful too. If you are based in the UK, it is worth checking if there are any active Amazon discount codes, (Disclosure: advertorial link*) that will save you some money, before ordering.
Disclaimer: Flying With A Baby is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and its partners. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This page may contain affiliate links.
*Advertorial link means a company has paid to be advertised here. These occasional links help with the costs of running this site.
Best stroller for traveling – Pin for later?
What’s your recommendation for the best compact stroller 2023? Let me know why yours worked for you below in the comments.
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Al
Saturday 16th of October 2021
LOVING your website but really hoping you can help me with this question, my google skills are failing me!
do I need a stroller that fully reclines to accommodate a 6-8 month old baby if i would like them to sleep in the stroller while we spend the day travelling Europe? I want a stroller they can sleep in so we don't have to go home for naps (assuming this is possible?) I'm having a hard time differentiating between 'newborn' and 'infant' sleep requirements and i dont understand whether the baby can safety and comfortably have deep, long naps at a slight incline after 6 months or if i need to spend significantly more to get a stroller that accomodates a completely flat recline.
MANY THANKS for this fantastic website! I will use your affiliate links when I end up purchasing a stroller that accomodates a plane seat.
Carrie Bradley
Saturday 16th of October 2021
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you so much! It's so tricky finding it all out. So my understanding is newborn is only the 0-3 month stage - so some strollers will need inserts or a carrycot to make them completely lie flat for this age due to sleep safety etc. With this in mind, it seems that medically, babies aged 0-6 months should be lying near flat due to SIDS concerns and spine development - in the USA for baby sleepers (not strollers) there is a proposal mandating that no infant sleepers with more than a 10-degree recline can be sold.it will be interesting to see if this will apply to strollers too?
From about 6 months, my understanding, is that babies still need a good recline but strollers do not need to recline completely flat. Please note this is not professional advice - just my opinion from my own research on the strollers available. Also the strollers should have the weight and age limits in their instruction manuals- most should be available online. They would have to meet certain specifications and safety precautions to be able to state the age\weight range.
For you guys, one that grows with your little one could be useful, especially if planning to travel a lot in the future to make it more cost effective? Hope that helps a bit- I feel your pain!
Qhouse kids
Thursday 23rd of May 2019
Thanks you for sharing such an amazing post. .I have a newborn who is 2 month old and a 4 year old daughter. I am looking for a stroller for the younger one, which can also be used by 4 Year old. .Would appreciate any recommendations.?
Angel (@vampire1403)
Saturday 18th of May 2019
I think the Akeeva Atom is worth thinking about....Even smaller than the GB hehe
HDN
Saturday 2nd of March 2019
I bring the Mountain Buggy Nano on flights with me all the time and put it in the overhead compartment as carry-on luggage. I've never had an issue with it - have taken on multiple US airlines (Delta, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier) and international flights (British Airways and Norwegian Airlines). One flight attendant told me it wouldn't fit, and I just asked her to let me try and she was fine with it when I showed her that it easily fit in the overhead compartment. You can also take off the wheels if needed and make it smaller.
I think you're also skipping over the importance of being able to connect a car seat to your stroller. The Nano accepts almost any infant carseat with its built-in adapter. You can also attach a convertible car seat to it with the adapter (we use the Scenera Next). It's been so helpful to just wheel our kids through the airport in their carseat, attached to the stroller, right onto the plane.
CarrieB
Tuesday 5th of March 2019
Very good point! I guess it depends if you are using a car seat on the plane, time of flight, how long the flight is, age of baby/child, if you are taking it overseas or planning on hiring one abroad. With current guidance saying young babies should only be in a car seat a maximum of 2 hours it's definitely a tricky thing to decide as obviously travel strollers don't usually offer a flat recline and also some airlines are very strict on certain weight/ size measurements as carry-on luggage as even if it would fit, but is larger than the dimensions they allow- it won't be allowed on. Really fab to hear you have had a great experience with the Mountain Buggy Nano - this will definitely help future readers to know this- thank you!
Lindsey
Monday 10th of December 2018
GB Pockit Plus is one of the best lightweight strollers I've ever tested. The best for travelers - no doubt!