BEST TRAVEL STROLLERS FOR TODDLERS

With an extendable sun canopy, 4 position recline and extendable footrest, this travel stroller offers a lot of benefits when traveling with toddlers. 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 rain cover 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. Comes with a shoulder strap.

Specifications 

• Weight: 13.7lb/6.22kg
• Dimensions when folded: 41.3″ x 9.4″ x 11″.
• Recline: No
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag: No
• Sun Canopy: Yes,
• Max Weight Capacity: 55lb
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: No

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 is not as light as the original GB Pockit for plane travel - but it weighs in at a very light 13lbs/6.2kg. - the same as the GB Pockit Plus, 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)Carry on the shoulder with its padded shoulder strap

• Weight: 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs) in the 6+ version, 6.6 kg (14.5 lbs) with the newborn pack or 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs) with the bassinet. 
• Dimensions when folded: 52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag: Yes
• Sun Canopy: Yes,
• Max Weight Capacity: 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes, including CYBEX

This hand luggage sized pushchair is currently the world's smallest and most compact stroller for travel and can fit into a backpack! It weighs a mere 9.5 lbs making it the lightest stroller for travel.

Its narrow width means it easily passes through narrow door ways and small turnstiles at train stations. However, with this version that's where a lot of the benefits stop.

Infants cannot use this extra small stroller as it does not recline fully and toddlers needing a nap may find this uncomfortable for long periods. This original GB Pockit foldable baby strollers collapses down to a 11.8 inches x 7 inches x 13.8 inches.  

The sunshade lacks any sort of proper coverage, so you wouldn't want to be out in prolonged sunshine without some sort of CoziGo or Snoozeshade protector which is airy.

There is a mini storage area at the bottom for small items.

With all this in mind, the original GB Pockit collapsible stroller is definitely a good contender for the best stroller for airplane travel as it meets most cabin baggage sizes. This cabin size stroller really comes into its own for plane travel, due to its compact size and those waits in passport control.

This probably wouldn't be your every day stroller but for travel it has some clear advantages. There are several newer models out now, including the the Pockit Air Terrain 2019 model which is making this original model slightly cheaper.

• A small, lightweight compact stroller
• Can be used as cabin baggage. 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 a very collapsible stroller!
• Did I mention how small it is?

Only suitable for babies aged 6 months plus.

• Sun canopy does not offer a great deal of protection
• There is no recline option (unless you purchase the Pockit Plus)

What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

"Easy to fold, a super light stroller and comfy as much as it can be for the size. We only use it when travelling by subway, bus and airplane."

• Weight: 9.5lbs
• Dimensions when folded: 11.8 inches x 7 inches x 13.8 inches.
• Recline: No
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag: Yes
• Sun Canopy: Yes, but not effective
• Max Weight Capacity:
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: No

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 UV50 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 via the attached handle. It is 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.

Although there is no travel bag or straps with the compact stroller, some people have bought backpack straps and carabiners to attach to the stroller and wear it as a backpack, as it is so lightweight.

The adjustable recline feature makes it possible for toddlers to sleep in but it does not go completely flat.

Included are adapters to click onto a CYBEX infant car seat.

• Really compact, perfect for immigration queues or day trips with a toddler
• Reclines

• It may be hard at times on cobblestones in Europe
• Canopy could be better

"So useful for plane travel. We can fit it in our backpack as carryon"

The UPPAbaby MINU is very easy to use with one step and one hand fold - meaning you can hold baby and easily open up this pushchair. The shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension is helpful for uneven terrain.

The MINU’s spacious, reclinable seat holds up to 50 lbs and the generous pop out UPF sunshade extends to shield your child from harmful UV rays. The canopy’s vented peekaboo window allows you to check in on your child. 

This lightweight stroller weighs in at 15 lbs, and comes with a useful built-in carry handle and shoulder strap.

Car seat adapters, are available for the MESA Infant Car Seat or select Maxi-Cosi®, Nuna® and Cybex infant car seats.

Suitable from 3 months to 50 lbs with a maximum child height of 40" or suitable from birth with the 'From Birth Kit' accessory

Storage under the stroller seat can accommodate 20lbs.

• Multi-position recline
• Extendable, pop out UPF 50+ sunshade
• Vented peekaboo window

• It may be hard at times on cobblestones in Europe
• Canopy could be better

"I needed two hands for the lock but otherwise easy to use."

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 convenient carry strap) 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, making it more suitable for a toddler.

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.  

• Very light
• Large, extendable sun canopy, pop out UPF 50+ sunshade
• Can hold up to 55lbs
• Price

• A smaller recline than some.

"Easy to use and the carry strap is handy. Good but others fold up more compactly now."

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.

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 UV stroller cover (and airline bassinet cover) or Snoozeshade can easily be attached to offer more protection, so this is not a deal breaker.

• Price
• Near flat recline
• 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.

"Easy to use and the carry strap is handy. Good but others fold up more compactly now."

Although the newer Mountain Buggy Nano V3 is out, the original has many decent features and a good price point.

At 13lbs, 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, if you need.

Like the BabyZen YoYo Plus, 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.

• 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.)

• Cannot be folded with one hand.
• Can be a bit tricky down a set of steps due to the small wheels.

"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."

• Weight: 13lbs/6kg
• Dimensions when folded: 12 x 22 x 20 inches 
• Recline: Yes
• Storage Basket: Yes
• Travel Bag: Yes
• Sun Canopy: Yes,
• Max Weight Capacity: 44lbs
• Age: up to 4/ 44lbs
• Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes

The Maclaren Techo XT specifies that it suitable for children from birth. Although it is meant to fully recline, it is not completely flat, but it is near enough horizontal and certainly comfortable enough for the baby to sleep for many hours.

There is also an extendable foot rest for older babies which allows their legs to be fully elevated. The clasp to secure the straps can be a little fiddly as to unlock as you have to squeeze the buttons on the front and back at the same time making it difficult if you have long nails or weak fingers.

The straps do not adjust properly for newborns as they rub against their ears, the strap covers are definitely required but at an extra cost and for complete comfort you would need a headrest.

The XT is a compact umbrella stroller that is easy to fold away and open, and the handle at the side makes it easy to lift onto a trolley or put into the back of a car. The XT is the heaviest of the Maclarens but its benefits outweigh the extra two kgs that have to be lugged.

It is compact enough that on many occasions the Purser/CSD of the flight has allowed me to bring it on board to be stored in a cupboard. It can be a little heavy to push, but the swivel wheels to help it to easily glide around corners and manoeuvre through complicated spaces.

The Maclaren comes with a rain cover, which is great if you are travelling to tropical countries but investing in a mosquito net that fits securely is a must.

The hood has a handy clear window so you can see your child even when it is open but you will need a CoziGo or Snoozeshade draped over it if you want to completely block out the sun. The seat cover does get very dirty on the baggage belt and my hood did get slightly damaged on one occasion, so do invest in a canvas cover if you want to keep the buggy in pristine condition.

The pockets at the back of the XT are really handy for keeping water, sun cream and a hat at the ready: the storage beneath the buggy is ample for a few bags of shopping if the seat is not reclined.

One thing which always catches me by surprise is how the pushchair will topple over once to take the baby out if you have shopping bags on the handles, the buggy can also topple over when the baby is in the seat if there is too much weight on the handles.

At the end of your trip the seat cover can be removed and washed in the washing machine though refitting it can take time and is a little complicated.

• A Compact reclining stroller
• Lighter than a travel system. Weighs 13.8lbs
• Has handy pockets.
• Suitable from birth.
• Easy fold umbrella stroller due to its one handed fold

• Need to buy extra pieces for complete comfort.
• Can tip over if shopping bags are on the handle, with or without baby inside

In general, I have been pleased with the Maclaren Techno XT and four and a half years later it is still going strong.

I am now using it for my 11 week old baby and although it is a little worn and torn, the functions work just as well as they did when I purchased it. I would recommend the Maclaren Techno XT to any travelling family and can assure you that the Maclaren brand has lived up to its long trusted name. For me, this has been the best umbrella stroller for travel.

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.

At only 7.2 kg / 15.8 lbs the Bugaboo Ant  is the ranges most lightweight stroller yet, and thanks to its most compact folded size of just 55 x 38 x 23 cm (9.03 x 14.96 x 21.65 inch) it can also be used as a carry-on for several airlines.

Despite its lightweight frame, the Bugaboo Ant is strong, and can carry a child up to 22 kg / 50 lbs. An always-accessible rear luggage basket and large under-seat basket provide a combined 8kg of additional storage capacity. It is just a bit too big several popular airlines cabin baggage rules, but meets Easyjet, British Airways, ANA and several others requirements.

Cons: Early users have liked the fact it's compact and stylish, but if you have a tall child they may outgrow it before they are two. For that reason, it may not be the one for you as its use is short term compared to other travel strollers on the market.

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. 

• Light - weighs 17.8 lbs
• Can fold with one hand.
• Easy to manoeuvre.
• Seat tilts back to flat for nap time on the go.

• I can’t think of any!

The Clutch stroller by Delta children is similar in size to the original GB Pockit stroller, with the same canopy style. Sadly, this offers little in the way of sun protection, so additional protection like a CoziGo stroller cover or another universal stroller cover will be needed if out in hot sunny climes.

The seat is not machine washable and it cannot be easily removed., however the fabric is durable and can be wiped clean.

Now for the positives! This is a very compact stroller, fits in most overhead storage on airplanes, glides smoothly across numerous surfaces and packs up quickly! The storage is fairly decent. Add your own cupholder and sun canopy and this may just be the best toddler travel stroller for you!

The Zoe brand is consistently mentioned in conversations about lightweight travel strollers for toddlers. The Traveler weighs just under 11lbs and reclines a full 150 degrees, making it perfect for a tired toddler needing a nap. An additional purchase of straps can turn this stroller into a backpack making it easily transportable. The Traveler also fits into most overhead locker compartments on an airplane. You can fold and unfold the pushchair in seconds with a single trigger button.

• Light - weighs under 11 lbs
• Can fold with one hand.
• Easy to manoeuvre.
• Seat tilts back 150 degrees for nap time on the go.

• A few users have had difficulty folding and using the button with one hand. We recommend practising before having do it solo with a toddler in arms.

The Graco Jetsetter Stroller can be used with one hand to fold and is lightweight at just under 14lbs. In case your toddler decides they want to walk, then the strap and carry bag are very convenient if you prefer to stow it away. Toddler strollers still need sun protection which the Graco Jetsetter provides with an extending canopy.

The storage basket is quite generous for a toddler stroller with two additional pockets in the back. The locking front swivel wheels make it easier to manoeuvre. The recline is excellent, although it doesn't not lie fully flat.

• Light - weighs under 14 lbs
• Can fold with one hand.
• Good recline
• Generous storage space
• Has a bar for little one to hold

• Seat doesn't sit completely upright, but not many travel strollers do.

The Ergobaby is sleek, lightweight and compact and makes a great cabin sized stroller as it folds down to fit into most overhead airplane bins with a folded size of 21x17x9 inches.

Rare for a compact travel stroller, it features an adjustable handlebar height and has a good recline function. This travel includes a rain shield and has a UV 50+ sun canopy.

The Joovy Kooper comes with a snack tray (it can still be folded with this on) and as well as a storage basket below, it also comes with extra storage with a zippered pocket and mesh cup holder.

The recline makes it suitable for 3 months and older.

Whilst it doesn't come with a bag or carry straps, you can buy stroller travel bags if needed for the airplane.