Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel & Everyday Use

Last Updated on June 28, 2021

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For most parents, going out with a stroller is a necessity. Whether it’s for walks around the neighborhood to the local park or for long distance trips on a plane, it’s important to have a stroller you can rely on. 

Lightweight strollers are generally more versatile than traditional strollers since they are more compact, lighter, and easier to carry. They may not be as comfortable or feature-packed as a full-size stroller, but our pick for the best lightweight stroller is ready for all of your family adventures.

Too busy loving your little one? Here’s our top pick.

Our top recommendation for lightweight strollers for travel is the UPPAbaby MINU Stroller. While it may not be the lightest stroller, it is one of the best strollers with the necessary features of a full-size stroller in a small package.

The stroller’s lightweight design makes it the perfect travel companion for most families. Whether rushing through the airport with your baby to reach the gate on time or just taking a leisurely walk near home, this stroller checks all the important boxes for our family.

If you’re searching for a specific type of lightweight stroller, here are our top picks in each category.

Best Lightweight Strollers

1. Best Lightweight Stroller: UPPAbaby MINU Stroller
2. Best Travel Stroller for Newborns: Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
3. Best Convertible Travel Stroller: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller
4. Smallest Fold Stroller: gb Pockit Umbrella Stroller
5. Best Luxury Lightweight Stroller: Bugaboo Ant Baby Stroller
6. Best Value Lightweight Stroller: Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
7. Best Lightweight Stroller for Overhead Bin Storage: Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller
8. Best Double Stroller for Travel: Mountain Buggy Nano Duo
9. Best Lightweight Stroller for the Budget: Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller
10. Lightest Travel Stroller: Maclaren Mark II Style Set

What should you look for in a lightweight stroller for travel?

A lightweight stroller is a great addition to any travel gear. It can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to find the stroller that is right for you.  Here are some of the things you should look for when choosing a lightweight stroller.

Compact Size

The smaller the stroller, the easier it is to pack into the car or check before getting onto the plane. 

Lightweight Frame

The frame is often the heaviest part of the stroller, but some lightweight travel strollers have super light aluminum frames.

Large Storage Basket

While you want the stroller to be compact, you’ll need storage space in the basket big enough to fit all of your baby gear. 

Suspension System

If you plan to do any gravel or uneven trails, a good all-wheel suspension system will make the ride much smoother.

Weight Limit

Good travel strollers will have a higher weight limit that will last until your child is around 4 or 5 years old.

Easy Fold

One handed fold makes the stroller so much easier to use when you’ve got your little one in your arms.

Types of Strollers for Travel

Strollers come in many different varieties. From tiny umbrella strollers to large joggers, you can find one to suit your lifestyle. 

However, which strollers are best for traveling with your little one? Here are the types of strollers you’ll frequently come across when searching for a stroller for travel.

• Traditional or Full-Size Stroller: Usually, traditional strollers feature a rear-wheel suspension system, easy fold, and an easy-to-remove seat. They often come with the option of attaching a second seat to convert it into a double stroller as your family grows.
• Umbrella Stroller: An umbrella stroller is a lightweight stroller that can easily fold up for storage or travel. Parents usually use umbrella strollers when traveling because they are easy to carry, lightweight, compact, and generally less expensive than full-size strollers.
• Travel System Stroller: A travel system stroller is specifically designed to work in conjunction with infant car seats. This can be a better option than buying a separate stroller and car seat, which can often be difficult to coordinate. It’s also much safer, as it allows you to easily transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and back again, without taking any extra steps.

What you’ll need depends on your personal situation. For example, if you have a toddler that may just need a place to rest, an umbrella stroller is more than enough. However, if you’re bringing an infant on a trip, a travel system stroller may be ideal since they work with an infant car seat.

Do You Need a Travel Stroller?

If you’re a parent who travels with a baby, you know how hard it is to juggle baby gear while walking down busy streets and crowded airports. They give you more freedom to move around and help you avoid the hassle of lugging a heavy car seat through the airport.

One of the best things about a travel stroller is that they’re small and light, so there’s almost no reason not to have one for your next trip.

How to Fly with a Stroller

Thankfully, strollers do not count as checked baggage for airlines. So you can focus on packing all of your family’s gear in your carry-ons or checked bags.

When flying with a travel stroller, we recommend storing the stroller in a storage bag that you can gate check. These are often made of durable material to protect your stroller and can withstand the beating they’ll endure being tossed into the plane’s luggage area.

At the airport, you can use the stroller to push your little one comfortably all the way up to the gate. Once there, you’ll check the stroller at the desk and take your child out as you board the plane.

When you arrive at your destination airport, the stroller will be brought to you at the gate so you can put your infant back in as you leave the airport.

TSA also provides a resource with good tips on how to fly with your family.

Best Lightweight Strollers for Travel Reviews

1. Best Lightweight Stroller: UPPAbaby MINU Stroller

The UPPAbaby MINU is our overall top pick in the lightweight category and has a max weight capacity of 50 pounds. The stroller has an easy one handed fold that allows it to stand up by itself for a small storage footprint. 

It has a slim design that fits easily through doorways, and it steers and folds with one hand, which is perfect for when you are holding a baby, a bag, and a coffee in the other. The infant car seat adapter is compatible with most major brands of infant seats and the stroller’s generous canopy and peek-a-boo window provide great coverage for little ones, even in direct sunlight.

The UPPAbaby MINU stroller is our top pick for lightweight strollers because it offers more comfort, ease of use, and practicality than its competitors. The UPPAbaby MINU is a great all-around stroller, perfect for everyday life and even great for travel. While it isn’t the smallest or lightest stroller on the market, the UPPAbaby MINU offers many features that make it a great choice for families.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Great for infants 3 months to toddlers up to 50 pounds
• Multi-position reclining seat provides extra comfort for your child
• One handed and one step fold for convenient storage
• Extra large storage basket that’s big enough to fit up to 20 pounds of baby gear
• Works with MESA Infant Car Seat attachment and to use from birth (sold separately)
• Feels like a full size stroller in a compact size
• Shoulder carry strap makes for easy transport

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• May need to pop the wheels off to fit in the airplane’s overhead compartment
• Has more features, but not as light as the UPPAbaby G-Lite stroller

Stroller Weight: 14.8 pounds

Weight Limit: 50 pounds

Age Range: 3 months and older

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2. Best Travel Stroller for Newborns: Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller

The Nano Stroller is a very different kind of stroller than we have ever seen. It folds down to the size of a large purse, and it’s so light that it can be carried like a backpack. It doesn’t have the large wheels and the bulky frame of traditional strollers, but it still has a comfortable ride for your child, and, most importantly, it’s a lot easier to maneuver than a full-size stroller.

For those with smaller children or who live in urban areas, you need look no further than the Mountain Buggy Nano. This lightweight, compact, convenient, and easy to handle stroller is perfect for people who live in cities and is ready for parents wanting to use it with car seats. It is easily folded up and easily unfolded. It’s also an excellent choice for traveling since the stroller is so portable and light.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Infant car seat ready with no need to purchase additional adapters
• Includes a soft shell cocoon carrycot available for use with newborns (sold separately)
• Fits in the overhead compartment in most airplanes
• Comes with a travel bag to store the stroller when not in use
• Weighs just under 13 pounds which is pretty lightweight

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Stroller frame doesn’t feel as sturdy as other models
• May need to pop off the wheels to fit in the overhead compartment

Stroller Weight: 13 pounds

Weight Limit: 44 pounds

Age Range: Newborn with built-in car seat adapter

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3. Best Convertible Travel Stroller: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller

Baby Jogger City Tour 2 strollers are designed especially for parents who live in cities or densely populated environments. These lightweight strollers are compact, easy to push, and fold up so parents can easily pack them up for long trips. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 strollers are also easy to maneuver and include a convenient fold down handle. 

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 stroller is also a great choice for parents who need a stroller that can handle bumps, curbs, and hills. The front wheels on the Baby Jogger City Tour are both smooth and responsive, so you can go where you want with ease. Keep in mind, you’ll need to purchase an adapter for the stroller to work with the Baby Jogger City GO or Graco Click Connect car seats.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Adjustable calf support for extra comfort
• Durable composite rubber wheels make for a smooth ride
• One hand folding with auto lock to keep it closed
• UV 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo window and extension panel
• Full and multi-position recline seat helps with nap time
• Stroller seat is made for 6 months or older or you can attach a car seat

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Velcro sunshade is a bit loud when taking a quick peek at your little one
• Opening the stroller can sometimes be tricky and awkward
• Two-part buckle not easy to clip in a hurry

Stroller Weight: 14.5 pounds

Weight Limit: 45 pounds

Age Range: Newborn with built-in car seat adapter

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4. Smallest Fold Stroller: gb Pockit Umbrella Stroller

The gb Pockit Umbrella stroller is an innovative lightweight stroller that provides a comfortable ride for your child. It has a compact and collapsible frame that folds down easily and is capable of holding children up to 55 pounds. In terms of comfort, the stroller has a multi-position reclining seat to allow your little one to nap and a padded five-point harness for safety. 

The stroller is easy to fold and unfold, which makes it convenient for storage in the trunk of your car or on an airplane. The gb Pockit Umbrella stroller is sturdy and safe with durable wheels that make for a smooth ride, whether you’re going over rough terrain or just taking a leisurely walk.

WHAT WE LOVE

• World’s smallest folding stroller and is ultra compact
• High maximum weight limit at 55 pounds
• Made of highly durable material and aluminum frame for a longer lifespan
• Folds up into the included bag for storage in the overhead bin
• Padded seat, harness straps, and handlebars make for a comfortable ride
• Standing fold makes it easy to carry around and store

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Requires the use of both hands to fold and unfold
• Seat isn’t as padded for comfort as other strollers in the category

Stroller Weight: 10.7 pounds

Weight Limit: 55 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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5. Best Luxury Lightweight Stroller: Bugaboo Ant Baby Stroller

The Bugaboo Ant is a stroller that will suit parents who want to travel light with their baby. If you want a stroller that is easy to use and will allow you to quickly turn it into a car seat carrier, this is the right choice for you. The design is sturdy and the materials used in the manufacturing process are high quality, which makes it a durable stroller.

It has a compact fold with a simple button push and it also has a carry handle, so it’s easy to grab and tote around. The seat is comfortable for the baby with a good amount of padding to protect them from bumps and so they can sit comfortably. With the Bugaboo Ant, you get all the features that you would expect from a premium stroller.

WHAT WE LOVE

• All materials on the stroller look and feel like premium quality
• Seat can be reversed so baby can be front or parent facing
• Foam filled rubber wheels mean you don’t have to deal with cheap plastic wheels or flat tires
• Incredibly smooth ride for baby and easy to push for parents
• Extra large storage basket for a lightweight stroller
• 5 point safety harness is easy to use

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• A bit heavier than most other strollers on our list
• Seats don’t completely recline to lay flat
• Must pay for all the attachments and extras

Stroller Weight: 15.8 pounds

Weight Limit: 50 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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6. Best Value Lightweight Stroller: Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

The Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller is perfect for parents who want something a little more stylish than your average umbrella stroller, but don’t want to sacrifice the lightweight, compact fold that makes umbrella strollers so appealing.

Weighing only 13 pounds, the Summer Infant 3D Lite stroller is easy to push and carry, even for people who aren’t super strong! Plus, the stroller is made of sturdy aluminum, not plastic like some of its competitors, making it more durable for long-term use.

The stroller features a one hand folding design and cup holders for convenience. It also has a height adjustable handlebar and a canopy that you can adjust, depending on the height of your child. While this stroller doesn’t come with a lot of bells-and-whistles, the Summer Infant 3D Lite is a lightweight, low-cost stroller that is perfect for parents who aren’t looking to break the bank.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Lightweight stroller at just 14 pounds and has a compact fold
• Extra large peekaboo window provides good airflow
• One hand multi-position recline quickly gets the stroller ready for nap time
• Cup holder and cell phone holder come with the stroller
• Good size pocket on the rear of the stroller to store small snacks, keys, or anything your baby may need
• Stroller comes with a shoulder strap for ease of use and carrying

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Sun canopy is small and doesn’t offer much protection or privacy
• Folding and unfolding the stroller feels awkward and clumsy
• Cup/phone holder doesn’t stay on under weight

Stroller Weight: 13 pounds

Weight Limit: 50 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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7. Best Lightweight Stroller for Overhead Bin Storage: Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller

The YOYO2 takes everything we loved about the original YOYO and ups the ante. It still boasts the same one-handed fold, but it’s lighter and even more compact than before. The YOYO2’s easy-fold design is triggered by two steps: pull the release wheel on the handlebar and then push the handle down. The stroller then collapses in a matter of seconds, making it a cinch for a small storage space.

The Babyzen YOYO2 is a lightweight, compact stroller that takes up minimal space both in your vehicle and in your home. This is a perfect travel companion for the busy parent constantly on the go and it even fits in the overhead bin on an airplane.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Folds up with a shoulder strap for easy transport
• Excellent for frequent fliers since it fits in the overhead bin of an airplane (folded dimensions: 20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1”)
• 5-point safety harness to keep your baby secure
• Stroller can be controlled with one hand
• 4-wheel suspension helps absorb bumps
• Fabrics can be removed for washing

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Seat does not recline all the way, but still good enough for naps
• Storage basket is on the smaller side so make sure you pack light

Stroller Weight: 13.6 pounds

Weight Limit: 48.5 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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8. Best Double Stroller for Travel: Mountain Buggy Nano Duo

The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo is a lightweight, foldable double stroller with features typically found on strollers that weigh much heavier. It has 4-wheel drive that allows it to easily turn and stop, even with two children onboard.

The Mountain Buggy Nano Duo seats can easily be detached to store when not in use and the built-in storage basket is cleverly designed. Although the stroller is lightweight and compact, it can still support your two children during activity-based excursions.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Incredibly lightweight for a double stroller at 20 pounds
• Extra large basket for diaper bags, purse, and all of the kid’s gear
• Folds up fairly compact and can stand on its own
• Ease of use with a one handed recline
• Fits through most standard doorways
• Includes a carry strap for when your children aren’t sitting in it

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Unfolding the stroller is awkward and requires practice to find the right technique
• Small plastic wheels don’t a smooth ride like larger rubber wheels

Stroller Weight: 20 pounds

Weight Limit: 33 pounds per seat

Age Range: 6 months and older

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9. Best Lightweight Stroller for the Budget: Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller

Ease of assembly and transporting, lightweight design, and low cost make the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller the best lightweight stroller for families on a budget. It comes with an adjustable seat, footrests, and a parent storage basket, and folds up into a small enough size for storage. 

The Kolcraft Cloud has a swivel function so you can also use it as a pushchair or the stroller in its own right. Although the seat isn’t large enough for infants under the age of one, the Cloud can comfortably accommodate children from the age of six months up to the age of three years old. The Cloud is a good choice if you like the idea of a lightweight stroller, but you don’t want something bulky.

WHAT WE LOVE

• One of the least expensive lightweight strollers available that’s sturdy and holds up to 40 pounds
• 5-point harness to keep your child safely in the stroller
• Parent cup holder and child tray included
• Large basket for a stroller this size that’s big enough to fit most of your baby gear
• Wheels are pretty large and can handle almost any rough terrain

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Folding the stroller up can be a challenge
• Parent cup holders gets blocked by the sun canopy when closed
• Foot brakes are hard to apply; especially with flip flops on

Stroller Weight: 9.5 pounds

Weight Limit: 40 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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10. Lightest Travel Stroller: Maclaren Mark II Style Set

The Maclaren Mark II Style set has a great mix of features for a lightweight and compact stroller. The stroller is made of ultra lightweight aluminum which makes it one of the lightest strollers you’ll be able to find.

The lightweight design and ergonomic handlebars make it both easy to carry and push for an extended length of time.

Maclaren baby strollers feature a large, comfortable ergonomic seat and easy-to-fold undercarriage that is easily stowed. As small and compact as the Maclaren Mark II is, this stroller is built to last for years as your children grow up.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Extremely light at just 7.9 pounds making it one of the best lightweight strollers
• Stroller comes with a high quality, wind-resistant rain cover
• Front swivel wheels lock to make pushing over long distances easier without the wheels wobbling
• Larger sun canopy extends out further to provide extra protection from the sun
• Seat fabric is removable and machine washable for messy toddlers
• Weight limit is higher than most other comparable strollers at 55.5 pounds; making it ideal for larger children

WHAT COULD BE BETTER

• Stroller seat does not fully recline to lay completely flat
• Storage space in the basket is rather small compared to other lightweight strollers

Stroller Weight: 7.9 pounds

Weight Limit: 55.5 pounds

Age Range: 6 months and older

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Conclusion

After researching and testing over 15 different strollers, the best lightweight stroller that’s perfect for any kind of travel is the UPPAbaby MINU Stroller. While it’s not the lightest stroller at 14 pounds, the MINU has all the features of a standard full-size stroller in a small enough package for most families. If you’re looking for even less weight, the UPPAbaby G-Lite has less features, but comes in at just about 10 pounds.

However, the MINU stroller feels like a full-size stroller and makes pushing your baby through the airport and all-terrains a breeze. There is no compromise of comfort or ease of use with the UPPAbaby MINU, which is why it’s our pick out of the best lightweight strollers.