Read any of our blogs and you know we love to walk to get to know foreign cities. With a toddler, this requires a great travel stroller. Typical strollers can be big and bulky, which makes them difficult to manage when on the road — they have to be checked at the airport, they take up a lot of space in a trunk, a hotel room or a cruise cabin, and they are often too big to manage in crowded museums and attractions.
This is why a good travel stroller is necessary when taking a long trip, particularly umbrella strollers that are lightweight, compact and fold easily. The following collection of best travel strollers are low in weight and can travel well. Better yet, these strollers have high marks from parents who actually used them on trips.
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Note: We updated our stroller list in 2023 and added 3 more strollers we absolutely love!
How we rate our Best Travel Strollers?
- Weight: When you’re toting around a kid, luggage, and everything but the kitchen sink, the last thing you want is a bulky stroller. In our book, the lighter, the better.
- Child Weight Limit: We look for strollers that your child can use for several years. The broader the weight limit range, the higher the rating it receives.
- Compactness: If you’re traveling, you need to store your stroller when not in use. Whether in a car, plane, or train, we prefer strollers that are compact and can easily be put away.
- Shade: There’s no point in having an umbrella stroller if it doesn’t truly protect from the sun. Umbrellas that have larger and more effective shades receive a higher rating.
- Storage: Strollers are cool because they not only carry your kid but, if they have sufficient storage space, you can stash other essentials in them as well. We like a lot of storage room, so those strollers which provide it get higher ratings.
- Sturdiness: This criterion speaks for itself. Would you feel comfortable sitting your kid in a stroller that looks as if it’s going to collapse or tip over at any moment? Probably not. Flimsy-looking strollers get not-so-great ratings.
- Value for money: Do all these components (or lack thereof) justify the stroller’s price? If they do, the stroller gets a high rating; if they don’t, thumbs down.
At a glance: Best Travel Stroller Systems
| Image | Brand | Details |
|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL   | Britax | Check price |
PREMIUM PICK   | Kolcraft | Check price |
BEST VALUE   | Dream On Me | Check price |
  | Inglesina | Check price |
  | Evezo | Check price |
  | Summer Infant | Check price |
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Travel with your kids now and build amazing memories as a family! Get our book, written by parents just like you, that will guide you all the way.
The Best Travel Strollers Currently on the Market
1. Britax B-Clever Compact Stroller
- Infinite recline backrest
- Large bottom storage basket
- Includes Britax car seat adapters
- 5-point harness
- Overhead pick-a-boo window
Believe me, one of the toughest baby gear to manage are strollers but, it’s the thing parents who have an infant or a toddler definitely must have. It gives babies and their caregivers so much convenience until you have to tuck them away or spread them out, but not this Britax.
It’s sturdy yet folds easily in an upright position — say goodbye to frustrating stroller struggles! Plus, it lets you monitor what baby’s up to under the hood.
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 5 out of 5
Child weight limit: 5 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: Yes
Shade: 1 out of 5
Storage: 2 out of 5
Sturdiness: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5
2. Kolcraft – Cloud Plus Lightweight Travel Baby Stroller
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 17.6” W x 29.9” L x 41.7” H
- Dimensions (Folded): 18″ W x 12″L x 34″H
- Available in 2 colors: Slate Grey and Fire Red
- Weighs 11.8 lbs. only
This stroller has well-thought-out features you’ll typically find in more expensive units. A tray for parents that comes with 2 bottle holders and another detachable tray for your baby add even more convenience.
You’d be thrilled to know you can get all of these at beyond half the price it’ll cost you to get a Britax stroller. It may be harder to get your baby started on this stroller in the very first year since infant car seats are not recommended for use with this stroller. So you may have to buy another stroller for use in your baby’s first year and use this when the tot grows a bit bigger.
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 5 out of 5
Child weight limit: 5 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: Yes
Shade: 4 out of 5
Storage: 4 out of 5
Sturdiness: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5
3. Dream On Me Coast Stroller Rider
- Weighs 13.5 lbs.
- Collapsible to compact size
- 5-point harness system
If you’re planning to visit Disney with your little one for the first time, you must know that not all strollers are accepted in their parks. One thing you do know is that you’re in for a magical discovery, and if you can save on rentals simply by bringing the right stroller, it’ll be best to get this. Saves you money plus it’s also such an easy baby gear to tag along for long trips and longer day walks.
I like how the aluminum frame keeps the stroller and your precious cargo stable. You could also care less and worry less about breaking the unit when folding or unfolding — thanks to the sturdiness and durability of the frame.
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 4 out of 5
Child weight limit: 4 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: Yes
Shade: 2 out of 5
Storage: 2 out of 5
Sturdiness: 3 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5
4. Inglesina Quid Stroller Foldable Travel Stroller
- Dimensions (Folded): 18.33”W x 23” H x 6.8” D
- Weighs 13 lbs.
- Reclining backrest
- 5-point harness
- UPF50+ canopy cover
This is extra lightweight and specifically intended to be carried ard rolled around wherever you and your little one are planning to stroll. And, frankly, it isn’t a lot of work to be tugging along either. I could almost forget about it when we’re using it.
But, don’t expect it to be as stable and durable as a Britax or a Graco. On the upside, it isn’t going to give you shoulder pains either. So, maybe you can keep one like this for when you expect to be repeatedly folding and spreading it and folding it again. Save your heavy-duty strollers for when you’re bringing your own transport.
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 4 out of 5
Child weight limit: 4 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: Yes
Shade: 5 out of 5
Storage: 4 out of 5
Sturdiness: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
5. Evezo 2141A Umbrella Stroller
- Weighs 16 lbs.
- Dimensions (Unfolded): 39 X 11 X 32 inches
- Reclining seat
- 5-Point Safety Harness
- Available in 2 colors: Taupe and Pink
When it comes to your baby’s safety and protection, you should neither take shortcuts or compromises. The sad truth is that it also usually comes with a premium price tag.
Thankfully, Evezo can give you the peace of mind you seek without demanding a huge investment on your part. That’s why we love this stroller — true bang for your buck!
Storage is able to hold a Baby Bjorn Carrier. That’s it.”
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 5 out of 5
Child weight limit: 5 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: Yes
Shade: 2 out of 5
Storage: 3 out of 5
Sturdiness: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
6. Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience
- It has an aluminium frame that is lightweight and super sturdy
- It can accommodate a child of 50 lbs
- It has a reclining feature: that allows the baby to take a nap comfortable as you enjoy your little mom time
- It has an excellent adjustable canopy that performs very well in the sun and can expand to your liking
The cheapest stroller on our list ($129.99) weighs just 13 pounds. It’s better than a cheap umbrella stroller because it reclines and allows your child to sleep, but you cannot carry it onto a plane. Still, one mom raved about the stroller making it through the cobblestones of Italy, “The streets and terrain in Lake Como are far from ideal for a stroller, but this held up amazingly well over cobblestone streets, up and down stone stairs, through grass and dirt roads. I could not be happier with its performance.” It can carry up to 50 pounds.
More than 3,000 reviews on Amazon give this stroller a positive review. Still, some reviews complain of the stroller breaking within days of use. Said one parent, “I guess I got a lemon. The left wheel does not touch the ground. Customer service person kept telling me the wheel was on backward and to remove the wheel and reinstall it. She said this happens all the time. Then maybe they should fix it.”
Our ratings (higher is better):
Stroller weight: 4 out of 5
Child weight limit: 4 out of 5
Can carry on a plane: No
Shade: 3 out of 5
Storage: 5 out of 5
Sturdiness: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
Our buying guide for the best travel stroller
While there are many things that make for a great stroller, there is no such thing as a perfect baby stroller. With so many options, it’s natural for you to feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to narrowing down your options. Different people lead different lifestyles and have different stroller needs. Unless you custom-make a stroller, you won’t always find exactly what you’re looking for, and at some point, you will have to sacrifice a thing or two. Just determine your non-negotiables, and take it from there. For example, if your travels include a lot of rough terrain, you’ll want a stroller with larger tires. After considering your non-negotiables, here are eight things to look for in a travel stroller.
Cost
Before you even start looking for strollers, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Strollers are generally one of the pricier pieces of travel gear, but a larger price tag doesn’t necessarily translate into a higher quality stroller. Read reviews online and check endorsed stroller brands to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Safety Features
Safety is an important factor, and different strollers have different safety features. Some have reflective strips, harness straps, peek-a-boo window on the canopy, and wheel brakes. The best stroller will have an assortment of safety features.
Travel System
A stroller with a travel system is one that has a car seat that clips into it. This means that you can easily transfer your infant straight from the stroller into the car, train, or plane. No need to pull your baby out of the car seat.
Weight and Size
A travel stroller’s size affects its weight. Before purchasing a stroller, confirm that both parents are comfortable with the stroller’s weight and size. Again, if the stroller is too large, it won’t fit through doors and can be difficult to stow. Similarly, the stroller should be lightweight when folded. A lightweight stroller is easy to carry, transport, and push. The easier it is for you to bring it up/down the stairs, travel with, and pack inside a car, the better. The ideal weight of a travel stroller should be 15 pounds or lower. And it’s worth noting that just because a stroller is lightweight doesn’t mean that it’s flimsy and not high-quality.
Collapsibility
A good travel stroller should not have many levers and buttons, which complicate its collapsibility. Ensure that the stroller you choose collapses easily. Some people never fold their strollers, but if you love to travel, you’ll have to fold it often. Not only should the stroller fold easily but should also remain in the folded position without reopening on its own.
The stroller we’ve used most during our travels is the GB Pockit, and it has been a life-saver. It can be folded and taken on a plane and can also be folded and stored in the carry-on. For us, this has been really helpful, especially when our son is asleep. We can just open the stroller on the plane and plop our sleeping beauty into it.
Maneuverability of the Stroller
How easy or hard is it for you to steer the stroller? Can it negotiate corners easily? Ensure that you feel confident steering the stroller in tight spaces and spinning it around. The wheels help determine a stroller’s maneuverability. Larger wheels that are full of air are ideal for rough terrain while smaller wheels are best for paved paths.
Storage Space
Traveling with an infant or toddler means you’ll have to carry lots of stuff. Look for a stroller with extra storage space. The storage basket underneath should be big enough for snacks, toys, keys, blankets, cell phones, and other essentials.
Canopy
This is an important feature for any stroller if you are going to be taking walks in the sun or if you are likely to get caught in the rain. It will protect your baby from the elements while still ensuring that the inside is properly ventilated. The cover should also be easy to remove and clean considering that it’ll get dirty quickly if you’re on the move a lot.
FAQs for Best Umbrella Travel Strollers
Q: Why do you use a stroller to travel?
A: It is very convenient while travelling with a baby to avoid frequently carrying the baby in your arms during travel.
Q: What should I look for in a travel stroller?
A: it’s essential to look for a super sturdy stroller, easily foldable and a secure harness belt for the safety of your child.
Q: Are umbrella strollers safe for infants?
A: Unfortunately umbrella strollers are not meant to cater for the needs of small newborns and infants as they do not provide support for the children’s neck. We recommend taking a travel car seat instead.
Q: What is the ideal age to use travel umbrella strollers?
A: These strollers are safe when the child is at least 6 months old. At this age the child has developed enough neck and back strength.
What do you think is the best travel stroller? Let us know below.
Very interesting, thank you.
Your welcome! Glad we could help.