"The Strollers Awards: The Top, Worst, Or The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen

The Lightest, Most Compact and Easiest to Fold Travel Strollers

This stroller is among the lightest, most compact and easy to fold. Despite its size, it offers a good ride, excellent sun canopy and multi-position recline.

For  top strollers  than $100 it's a great value. It's lightweight and easy to fold away, making it perfect for public transport, or even slinging over your shoulder.

1. Lightweight

When it comes to strollers for travel lightweight and easy-to-fold are the most important factors. The top models we tested fold down using only one hand (and sometimes two) and can be tucked away in overhead luggage compartments. They also have a good roll and are small enough to easily maneuver in tight spaces. Some models come with a telescoping hand for parents of varying heights. Find a light, easy to transport stroller for your family, whether you're planning to go on short trips with a newborn or a long-haul trip with a toddler.

We tested nine strollers that met our minimum size and weight requirements. Each model was put to the test on country roads, and in the terminal at the airport for maneuverability, ease of folding and carrying, as well as overall comfort for your child.

Our top picks are the Babyzen YoYo2 ($320) It is the easiest to fold of all the strollers we tested and can fit into overhead bins for airplanes. It's car seat compatible and its seat reclines almost completely flat, making it suitable for infants. Other features that parents will appreciate include a deep undercarriage storage basket, a bag hook on the handle and a UPF 50+ canopy which provides ample coverage for your little traveler.

The Cybex Orfeo (320) is an alternative that is a great choice. It features a concertina folding that can be completed using just one hand, and is extremely light. Its padded, five-point harness and crotch strap keep your child safe, while the reversible seat and a hefty undercarriage basket ensure there's enough space for all their possessions. It's also compatible with the brand's infant car seat which makes it a feasible option for families starting from birth.

The Coya TRVL ($320) is another one-handed fold that is one-step with car seat compatibility as well as a large canopy. It's more expensive than the other models in the category but it also comes with extra features like a large cupholder and parent pocket, a movable handlebar to fit parents of all heights and a comfortable carrying strap. Its simplicity is sacrificed for a bit of durability compared to the other models in this category, however.

2. Folding is simple

When you're on the move, your stroller has to be simple to open and close. You do not want a stroller that is difficult to close when you're carrying groceries or children in your arms. The best travel strollers fold up easily and compactly, even with one hand. Many have a padded strap that you can comfortably wear over your shoulders.

In our tests, we awarded the Libelle stroller high marks for its compactness and ease of folding. It also has other great features. It's smooth to roll across all surfaces and features an extensive canopy that gives enough coverage. It's also light and stands up on its own when folded. This makes it easier to keep in storage.

We suggest that parents who want their strollers to fit in the overhead bin of a plane and are looking for models that claim to fit. The Munchkin Sparrow is a good example. It fits in the smallest folding and comes with an enclosed travel cover. However, it does not have an adjustable seat, and its cargo area is too small to hold anything but a small diaper bag or a tote.

Another option is the Babyzen Yoyo 2, which folds up into a concertina-style but also has an reversible seat that can be used for back-to-back or face-to-face riding. Our editor found it easy to open and close, though she wasn't thrilled by the way the handle folds into the seat when folded.

The tri-fold is the newest stroller that travels. It folds into three parts and offers the best combination between compactness and features. The UPPAbaby Minu for instance, comes with a convertible seat, an unstructured rear storage pouch, and a lockable clasp that keeps it folded. It's a little bigger than the umbrella models of the brand however it folds more compactly than G-Luxe and G-Link counterparts, and comes with an adjustable carry strap that can be worn over your shoulder.

3. Easy to store

The best travel strollers can fold down to a small size that can be easily stored. They can be easily stowed in the trunk of a car or the overhead bin of an airplane. Some even have a carrying strap that makes it easy to sling over your shoulder, so you don't have to be concerned about your hands getting tired. They're also lighter than normal strollers. This makes them easier to lift or carry for a quick walk in the neighborhood or at the airport.

When we tested this stroller, it did very well in our tests of durability, and it was easy to maneuver over all sorts of surfaces including smooth hardwoods to shag carpeting. However, some of our testers noticed that it was a bit flimsy and the handlebar doesn't include any padding to keep your hands in a comfortable position. Another thing to consider is how big the storage basket is It's slightly smaller than the average, and some parents have found it difficult to squeeze the large diaper bag inside it.

We suggest that you contact your airline in advance to verify their specific guidelines concerning strollers. They may differ. This is especially important if you plan to gate-check a stroller. Then, you can use it on the plane, and then navigate the airport without the stroller.

The Contours Itsy travel stroller is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a compact, lightweight stroller. It's nearly assembled right out of the box The only thing you have to do is to snap the bumper bar in place. It has a cup holder for the parent and an additional back pocket. However, it does not have an oversized basket. This may make it difficult to pack the essentials for a long journey.

If you're a frequent traveler, we suggest a more robust stroller with better features and can hold more cargo. The UPPAbaby Minu, for instance, comes with many of the same features similar to its G-Luxe and G-Link siblings but is smaller and folds more quickly. It is also slightly more durable than an umbrella stroller and comes with a cushioned strap to help lift some of the burden off your shoulders.

4. Comfortable

Strollers are typically used for prolonged periods of time while traveling, and it is essential to be comfortable. Seats with plenty of padding and a recline system that can be adjusted at different angles are the best. Be aware of whether the canopy extends for sun protection and if the mesh windows allow airflow. If you're required to carry a few items, consider a model with a parent organizer/cup holder and a large storage basket under the seat. When looking for a Jogger for older children, make sure to check the age range. Also, consider whether your child is comfortable in the seat, even without a car seat.

The way that a stroller moves is also vital. It needs to maneuver effortlessly over a variety of surfaces including smooth hardwoods, shag carpets to cobblestones, and gravel. It should also handle stairs and curbs without difficulty. If your plans for travel include a lot of walking, choose a light stroller to prevent leg and back pain.

A high-quality travel stroller should be easy to use, too. It should assemble in under 30 seconds and snap together securely when it is popped in the correct place. It should also fold flat and fit into the boot of your car or in the overhead compartments on a plane. It should also be upright when folded, so that you can carry it around by one hand and hold your baby in the other.

If you are a parent looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for travel, the Joie Tourist is a great alternative. It features several recline positions to allow your child to sleep comfortably. The canopy extends to provide lots of sun protection and UPF protection. It also comes with a rain cover as well as a coffee cup holder and footmuff. Charlotte loves the fact that it is suitable from newborns to four years and doesn't require the purchase of an additional car seat adapter.