Travel Strollers For Toddlers: Recommended by parents

I’ve used several strollers when traveling from larger travel systems to the more compact strollers. I obviously haven’t tried them all, so a lot of Facebook group members from Travel With Babies and Toddlers (over 15,000) have also given their thoughts on the pros and cons of other travel strollers they have used.

Bugaboo Butterfly travel stroller as cabin luggage — This Bugaboo Butterfly is the size of carry on baggage.

What Are the Best Strollers for Toddlers in 2024?

There are many different types of travel strollers, so first of all decide on how frequently it will get used, what type of traveling with a toddler you intend on doing and where.

For short trips on predominately smooth surfaces, then suspension may not be a key factor in your purchasing decision, but daily outings with narrow doorways or stairs in a hot climate with naps a must, will lead to an entirely different stroller.

Toddlers also like to be more independent and walk, so you may find you would rather pack it away into a backpack if it light and compact enough.

However, for these reviews, we have stuck to the main key features that have been useful when traveling with a toddler.

stroller and toddler at the airport — Asleep as we walked off the plane and through immigration to baggage reclaim with the Yoyo (Image: Carrie Bradley/Flying With A Baby)

Overview:

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.

I found for me the recline and sun canopy was the most important when flying with a baby or young toddler.

In a Hurry? Here are our top picks

Baby Jogger City Mini 2 includes infant car seat adapter, very easy to set up and fold up. and the Joolz Aer + with a one handed fold.
Good all rounder. Yoyo2
Budget friendly stroller: Summer Infant 3Dlite – Lightweight Compact folding stroller and fits airplane overhead storage.
Ergobaby Metro+ is suitable from newborn with the insert

Below is a quick comparison of several strollers that readers loved. I’ve put a ✔ next to the most popular ones. Full reviews are under the comparison table.

Best Travel Strollers For Toddlers

GB Pockit+ All City-carry-on-strollers-that-fit-into-the-overhead-bin. — GB-Pockit-All-City

gb Pockit Lightweight Stroller

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.Pros

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?

Cons

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)

“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

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain

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.

Bottom line, I think this too flimsy for daily use but if you can borrow one or rent one and only need it a little, then this is useful.Pros

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

Cons

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

What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

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

Weight: 12.3lbs/5.6kgs
Dimensions when folded: 20 x 34 x 42 cm
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag: No
Sun Canopy: Yes,
Max Weight Capacity: 55lbs
Age: 6 months up to approx. 4 years
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes – gb and CYBEX

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon

Yoyo2

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 and fits in airline overhead bins.
This pushchair can be used in parent-facing mode from birth and front facing from 6+ months up until 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
Dimensions when folded: 52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in

The YoYo is consistently rated highly as 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.

Out and about, we found this compact stroller feels sturdy and is often used as a daily stroller because of all the practical features; including multi recline, a sun canopy, rain cover and generous under seat storage. The Basket supports up to 5 kg (11 lbs)

Although the pushchair is on the pricey end of the market – it just may be 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.

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.

The YOYO hood and where you press to fold the stroller

strollers on airplanes, baby zen yoyo plus stroller pushchair in airplane, best stroller for travel as it fits cabin sized overhead lockers? #familytravel — The YOYO is a popular stroller for air travel

Pros

Fits most cabins
Near flat recline (for ages 6m +)
Good sized canopy

Cons

Pricier end of the market.
Need the insert for a newborn

UPPAbaby MINU V2 Stroller

The UPPAbaby MINU V2 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.

Spacious seat suitable for children from 3 months up to 50lbs, One-hand, one-step compact fold
Suitable from birth with bassinet accessory or infant car seat with use of adapters (not included)
Deeper, easy access basket with 20lbs weight limit
Zip out extendable canopy for increased sun protection and One handed, adjustable leg rest
Deeper, easy access basket with 20lbs weight limit

Pros

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

Cons

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

What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

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

Weight: 16.9 lbs
Dimensions when folded:12″ L x 20.3″ W x 23″ H
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag: Yes
Sun Canopy: Yes, pop out UPF 50+ sunshade
Max Weight Capacity: 50lbs
Age: 3 months to 50 lbs with a maximum child height of 40″
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes – MESA Infant Car Seat or select Maxi-Cosi®, Nuna® and Cybex infant car seats.

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon

Summer 3d lite stroller by the pool — Summer 3d lite stroller

Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller

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. Pros:

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.

Cons:What other readers of Flying With A Baby Say:

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

Weight: 13lbs/6.2kg
Dimensions when folded: 42″ X 14.75″ X 12.5″.
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag: No, has a carry strap
Sun Canopy: Yes,
Max Weight Capacity: 50lbs
Age: no taller than 43″
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: No

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon worldwide and Walmart for US residents only.

Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

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.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.)

Cons

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

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.”

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

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon worldwide and Walmart for US residents only.

Baby Jogger City Tour 2

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
Dimensions when folded: 59.5cm x 49.5cm x 9cm (21.6″ X16.9″ X 6.8″)
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag: No
Sun Canopy: Yes,
Max Weight Capacity: Up to 45lbs/22kg
Age: Up to 45lbs/22kg
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon worldwide Walmart for US residents only.

Our bugaboo butterfly stroller review in overhead locker on the plane

bugaboo butterfly travel stroller in an airport

Bugaboo Butterfly – 1 Second Fold Ultra-Compact Stroller – Lightweight & Compact

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.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

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon

Baby Jogger City Mini 2

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. 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.
I can’t think of any!

Cons

Weight: 17.8lbs
Dimensions when folded: 55 x 38 x 23 cm (9.03 x 14.96 x 21.65 inch)
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag: No
Sun Canopy: Yes,
Max Weight Capacity: from birth to 50lbs
Age: 50lbs
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes. Britax, Chicco, Clek, Cybex, Graco, Maxi Cosi, Nuna, Peg Perego, and UPPAbaby infant car seats (adapters for other brands’ infant car seats sold separately)

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon worldwide and Walmart US residents only.

Ergobaby Metro

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.

Ergobaby Metro plus upright with canopy review

Weight: 21.6lbs/9.8kgs
Dimensions when folded: 21x17x9″ (53x 43 x23cm)
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes
Travel Bag:Available separately here
Sun Canopy: Yes
Max Weight Capacity: 50lbs/22.7kgs
Age: Newborn (with the newborn nest) to toddler Metro+ is usable from birth up to 22 kg, or 4 years, whichever comes first.
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes comes with Graco/Chicco adaptors.

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon and Ergo Baby .

Joovy Kooper Stroller

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.

Weight: 16lbs
Dimensions when folded: 29.3” L x 21” W x 12.5” H
Recline: Yes
Storage Basket: Yes, 15lbs worth of storage
Travel Bag: No, but it has an automatic folding lock
Sun Canopy: Yes
Max Weight Capacity: 50lbs
Age: 3 months + to approx 5 years old
Compatible with Infant Car Seat: Yes

You can get this travel stroller from Amazon worldwide and Walmart US residents only.

Joolz Aer +

The Joolz Aer+ is a popular stroller designed for convenience and comfort, ideal for parents who are frequently on the go.

Folded Measurements: 21.26″ x 17.72″ x 8.86″ (54 cm x 45 cm x 22.5 cm
Recline: The Joolz Aer+ features a near-flat recline, making it suitable for naps on the go. This is particularly useful for young children who need frequent rest.
Canopy: It has an extended UPF 50+ sun canopy, offering excellent protection from harmful UV rays. The canopy also includes a peek-a-boo window, allowing you to keep an eye on your child.

Folding Mechanism

Ease of Folding and Unfolding: The Joolz Aer+ is renowned for its one-hand fold mechanism, making it extremely easy to fold and unfold.

Essential accessories such as the rain cover, bumper bar, and footrest are not included with the stroller.

TRAVEL STROLLER ACCESSORIES

Above we mentioned how it is hard to find the perfect toddler 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.

Recline, Storage and other features

Toddlers may not sleep quite as much as babies, but they may still need a nap if you are out exploring all day, or jet-legged. Plus they usually fall asleep just as you need arrive somewhere or land! So having a recline function makes it easier for them to get to sleep and stay asleep.

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.

Comfort

The stroller needs to obviously comfortable for your toddler but is it also comfortable for you? Does it have adjustable handles to avoid back pain, maybe a convenient drink holder?

UV Sun protection

Even cloudy days can cause sunburn, so a stroller with a good canopy is useful not only for sun protection but also making it a little more dark and cosy for little one to relax or nap. Like all strollers, it’s often hard toget the perfect match for all your requirements, and should you need then a product like CoziGo is brilliant as UV sun protector (and as an airplane bassinet cover for babies)

Ease of Use

After trying to take down a larger bulkier stroller at an airport gate (even after practising) and with a toddler in arms, ease of use is essential! Ideally one handed fold or set up is the dream!

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. The good news is that most foldable prams for travel, are easy to use!

Compact

A compact stroller is not only useful for stowage in smaller apartments but also in crowded places and on the plane too, as sometimes a particularly compact travel stroller can be brought on board a plane as cabin carry on baggage.

Lightweight

A lightweight stroller speaks for itself, especially if you need to carry it around when not in use or lug it up and down stairs.

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 with kids?

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? Or will you load it up in the car for toddler road trips?

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?

When looking at prices, see if the stroller will last a while, or if a toddler would quickly outgrow it? How often will use your travel stroller? Can it adjust for older kids? Is it made of sturdy materials and built to last? Is it good value? Would you be able to use if for another child?

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.

What Are the Best Strollers for Toddlers in 2024?