Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel With Babies and Toddlers
It’s one of the big decisions of parents traveling with babies and toddlers – Should we take a stroller along for the journey?
You might always think about this every trip, weighing the pros and the cons and it never feels like an easy decision – and each trip can have a different verdict! Hopefully, this guide will help you make this decision and find the Best Lightweight Stroller for Travel With Babies and Toddlers that fits in with your trip and your circumstance.
Should you travel with a stroller?
If you have young children that need a stroller regularly then ideally, yes, take one! There’s often more to it than that though. If you are travelling by car then you’re used to fitting your stroller in the trunk, thus it can be easy to take one. If you’re flying, however, it can be more complicated.
Yes
- Easy to transport the kids and push them around. Even when we travelled throughout Asia and visited many places where the footpaths were not suitable for strollers, we found it invaluable when we visited places like zoos and theme parks. They can even be handy just to go to lunch next door if you have a baby that needs a nap.
- If your child still naps, they can nap in the stroller. Again a feature that we found priceless.
- You can stay out for longer and spend more time walking around with young kids and babies if they have somewhere to sit.
- It saves your back from having to carry them.
- In hot places, using only a carrier can be tough.
- Travel is far less complicated when you can have your hands free.
No
- Having to check in a stroller and deal with the stroller on top of ordinary luggage can be painful. We did not regret taking our stroller with us to Asia at all, but the extra piece of luggage made things more complicated and meant that we generally took taxis when we had to move around with all of our luggage. That extra piece of luggage did tip us over what we could comfortably manage.
- In Europe, we had to carry it around a lot. We stayed in many apartments with lots of stairs. Train stations, museums, etc often had lots of stairs as well.
- The worry of the stroller getting damaged while flying.
If the extra weight and baggage don’t put you off then, in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. If you disagree then you might find our guide to baby carriers useful. We find it useful to have both a carrier and a stroller.
Do you need to buy a stroller especially for travel?
Best lightweight travel strollers 2016
If you’ve decided you need to find the best travel strollers, you have come to the right section! Here I share the most travel-friendly options for the best lightweight stroller 2016.
| Name/Gender | Weight/Maximum Capacity | Price | Our Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 12 pounds Capacity: 50 pounds | $ | |
| UPPABaby G-Lite Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 10.7 pounds Capacity: 55 pounds | $$ | |
| UPPABaby G-Luxe Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 13.4 pounds Capacity: 55 pounds | $$$ | |
| Maclaren Volo Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 14.4 pounds Capacity: 55 pounds | $$ | |
| KOLCRAFT CLOUD PLUS LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER Gender: Unisex | Weight: 11.8 pounds Capacity: 55 pounds | $ | |
| Quinny Yezz Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 15.9 pounds Capacity: 40 pounds | $ | |
| Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 13 pounds Capacity: 44 pounds | $$$ | |
| Babyzen YOYO Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 12.8 pounds Capacity: 33 pounds | $$$$ | |
| Baby Jogger Vue Lite Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight: 16.5 pounds Capacity: 55 pounds | $$ | |
| Graco LiteRider Classic Connect Stroller Gender: Unisex | Weight:17 pounds Capacity: 40 pounds | $ | |
| $ = < $100 $$ = < $200 $$$ = < $300 $$$$ = $300+ |
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1. Summer Infant 3D Lite Convenience Stroller
This is a great new stroller that came out in 2015. Despite being a light weight of under 16 lbs, it handles a lot – it can carry 50 lbs worth of weight and will be a contender for the best umbrella stroller 2016.
It has a lot of the features of much larger, heavier strollers such as four recline positions, a cargo net underneath, good brakes and easy to fold up. One of the nicer aspects is its handle height. This is something J has trouble with: strollers with low handles meaning he has to bend over to push. No fun at all.
Although it doesn’t fold up to carry-on size, it is still compact when collapsed. It’ll be easy to stow on a bus, train or taxi. And when it is collapsed it isn’t too hard to carry, even one handed.
There’s a few reported drawbacks with this stroller. The canopy coverage isn’t fantastic and some people complained it wasn’t great for taller kids. Bigger bodies weren’t as comfortable in the 3D Convenience Stroller.
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2. UPPABaby G-Lite Stroller
This would have to be the best lightweight travel stroller. It not only weighs in at an amazing 11 pounds, but is easy to fold up and down and has a carry handle making this stroller absolutely ideal for when you are travelling and need to quickly fold up the stroller to hop on a bus or to climb up stairs. The weight makes it easy to carry both the stroller and your baby. It also has a standing fold meaning it will stand up by itself which makes it far easier to store. It features high performing wheels and 4 wheel suspension making it one of the easiest strollers to push around that are this lightweight. It also has a decent storage basket and a mesh seat to keep baby cool at hot destinations. The only drawback with this stroller is that it doesn’t recline. If recline is important to you, look for another stroller. Otherwise this would have to be one of the easiest and best travel strollers for toddlers. Click here to check out the latest price, more details and reviews.
3. UPPABaby G-Luxe Stroller
If you would love the UPPABaby G-Lite but need a stroller that reclines, then this may be the best travel umbrella stroller for you. It has basically the same features as the G-Lite with an easy standing fold, high performance wheels and is a lightweight stroller at only 15 pounds. The UPPABaby G-Luxe also has a great storage basket, sun canopy and a removable, washable seat pad. It is not quite as easy to transport as the G-Lite, but that’s the price you pay for the good, one hand, 3 position seat recline. If you have a kid that still needs to nap, this is a great choice.
4. Maclaren Volo Stroller
Maclaren are well know for making the best umbrella strollers and the Volo is no exception. This incredibly light travel stroller is a great pick for travel. I am a big fan of Maclaren strollers and this one is a winner.
Like the G-Lite, it is easy to fold and has a carry handle making this very easy to transport while travelling. It also has a storage basket and good sun canopy. The weight and size make it a very compact travel stroller.
It does not recline, so unfortunately is not suitable for families who need this feature. It is suitable to up to 55 pounds though, so it should easily accommodate your child until they no longer need a stroller. It meets the highest safety standards worldwide and would have to be the best option for anyone who wants the lightest stroller possible.
5. KOLCRAFT CLOUD PLUS LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER
Well-rounded in size, this light weight stroller has just the right height for a comfortable stroll. The handles are well-padded for a comfortable grip and just about the right height. For less than 90 bucks, Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller is unquestionable sturdy built with all around cushion. Seats are comfortable too for the baby although it could use slightly more side padding support. For traveling or storing purpose, this stroller can be conveniently folded with just one hand and tucked into tight spaces. The large child tray and parent tray offer 2 cup holders that will hold many items with ease. As with most strollers, the cup holders that barely hold any adult drinks although that is expected. Moving up to the three-tier extended canopy, the canopy can be fully adjusted to fit and protect the baby from all direction of sunlight. In fully extended mode, there is a peek-a-boo window where parents can view through to see how the baby is doing. Seat can be adjusted to provide a more comfortable and relaxing sleeping position for the baby. Finally a 5-point safety harness system to conclude the excellent offering of Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller. Do not be deceived by its looks, Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller is designed and built for extreme mobility that rolls well on all terrains. All wheels are designed to withstand rough terrains including stand and the front suspension will reduce the uneven surface impact ensuring a smoother ride. Not many cons on this stroller, the most annoying are the front child tray that needs to be removed before placing the child in it. The trays can only be snapped out unlike some that can be swing up or down. You cannot remove the cover of the seat for easy cleaning; wheels are made out of plastic instead of rubber.
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6. Quinny Yezz Stroller
The Quinny Yezz Stroller has an innovative design perfect for travel. Many parents declare this the best stroller for air travel thanks to its crazy compact fold. It is a lightweight stroller option which, when folded, has a shoulder strap meaning that you can carry it around like a shoulder bag. You should be able to board the plane with this stroller. Despite its compact size, it has great maneuverability and fits kids up to 40 pounds. On the downside, there is no recline, not much storage and no cup holder, although there is a pocket that would hold a phone. It is the best compact stroller for parents where size matters more than features.
7. Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller
The Mountain Buggy Nano has one massive advantage as a travel stroller: it folds up small enough to carry into an airplane’s cabin. This is incredibly useful as you are no longer relying on the airline to get your stroller to you as soon as you land. It’s ready to go as soon as you’re down the stairs or on the air bridge. We’ve often checked in our stroller at the door, but it doesn’t always meet us when we’re getting off. With the Nano, we wouldn’t need to worry. It’s a great stroller in its own right, too. With a reclining seat, cargo space underneath and a quick and easy fold and unfold mechanism its easy to use. The maximum carrying weight of 44 pounds means kids won’t grow out of it quickly. The stroller can be used with the Nano travel system by Mountain Buggy, too. There’s a built in car seat adapter. The only slight drawback is that this stroller is heavier than some other options. That said its compact size makes it an ideal travel stroller. It could be the best stroller for air travel 2016 will see. Thanks to commenter Kate Comer for the tip!
8. Babyzen YOYO Stroller
Babyzen YOYO StrollerThe Babyzen YOYO is another stroller that folds up so small you can carry it onto – and stow it on – a flight. It even folds up (slightly) smaller than the Mountain Buggy Nano, which is pretty small. It includes a carry bag (as does the Nano) which makes stowing and carrying the collapsed YOYO really simple. The babyzen YOYO is designed so that folding, unfolding and pushing only require one hand. That’s perfect when you need to carry some luggage or hold another child’s hand at the same time. There’s support for carrying things under the seat, but it’s not a basket. More like a place to rest things that won’t fall out. It makes getting things in and out easier but does restrict what you’d put there. The seat does recline, but not completely flat and so it isn’t perfect for newborns. It’s recommended only for kids 6 months and up. Additionally the YOYO can only support 33 pounds, meaning its age range is restricted compared to alternatives. That said, it is still a great option for a lightweight, easy to carry and store, travel stroller.
9. Baby Jogger Vue Lite Stroller
The Baby Jogger Vue Lite may be the best umbrella stroller for travel for parents who want a full featured stroller. This stroller has plenty of features while still weighing in at only 14 pounds. It is also a great option for parents who are travelling with a newborn. The Vue Lite features a full recline and is suitable from birth until 55 pounds meaning you should never need another stroller. It can also hold an infant car seat. A great feature of the Vue is that the seat is also reversible meaning you can have your child facing you while you push them. It is great to maneuver and easy to fold. The front wheels can lock into place for long distance walking on your trip. The sun canopy is fantastic. This really is a stroller you could love both while travelling and at home. The only downside is that the storage basket is not easy to access. If you can stand a couple of extra pounds while travelling, the Baby Jogger Vue is an excellent choice that you will enjoy at home as well as while away. In my opinion, it is definitely the best stroller to travel with for parents of young babies.
10. Graco LiteRider Classic Connect Stroller
If might not be the cheapest stroller in the market, Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller is solidly built despite the light weight body. With a mind for constantly on the go family member, this ultra-lightweight body is perfect for a leisure walk in the park or daily routine walk. If you can even easily fold it down with just one hand and the stroller will fold flat to provide optimum storage on your weekend getaway. On to the comfort of the seat, the 2-level reclining seat position will help your child in a more relaxing sleeping position when needed. Seat cushion foam is sufficient for comfortable long ride; supporting the seat is the durable suspension and lockable front swivel wheels to reduce the shock impact and ensures a smooth rides. There are good storage spaces (including front tray) throughout the stroller that will fit your drinking bottles, toys or even diapers bag. Canopy/ sunshades does the job in shielding the baby from all elements. As mentioned many times, the highlight of Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller is it accept all Graco Snugride classic connect infant car seats. This will come in handy when your baby is sleeping soundly in the infant seat and you can convert it into a stroller without disturbing your little one.
Common complains about Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller is the hinges connector that sometimes required some force to securely locked it. The lack of 5 harness point system is also a big miss. Operating the seat is also slightly complicated a first few tries, but you should be able to get the hang of it in no time..
Final thought on Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller
For a reasonable price, Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller is excellent in offering without banging on some of the useless, fancy ornaments. There are few reviews that mentioned that this stroller has been recalled previously, no worries on that as we have received official confirmation that the updated Graco LiteRider Classic Connect stroller is not in the list. If you already have a Graco Snugride classic connect infant car seat, it make sense that this stroller would be your next in line purchase.
How to choose the best travel stroller
Surprisingly, there’s far less things to consider when choosing a travel stroller than a regular stroller. That’s because you can focus on you and your child’s needs during travelling, rather than for everyday life and everything that includes. Instead, when choosing a travel stroller think of the following things…
1. Size and weight
This is the most important aspect when choosing a travel stroller. How much does it weight and how bulky is it? You really want it to be as small as possible while catering for all the other aspects that you need, such as a recline. You need to be comfortable lifting this stroller up stairs and you don’t want it to take up too much room in your hotel. As a general rule, an umbrella stroller can be the way to go since they fold up nice and compactly.
2. Easy to fold with a carry strap
Being easy to fold and having a carry strap (or case) are not essential elements but very helpful. It is far easier to use and transport a stroller if you can fold it up quickly (preferably with one hand) and carry it easily. This isn’t such a big deal at home – you might only fold up your stroller when putting it in the car, when your child is already in their seat. When travelling, however, you’ll do it multiple times, possibly with your child or luggage in one arm. And then carry it.
So having a carry strap and being easy to fold up makes any stroller far easier to use, and more useful, when travelling.
3. Storage basket
I like storage baskets – they’re a super handy place to put all the items that you’d end up with in your hands otherwise. However, the bigger the basket, the bigger the stroller. Have a think about how important the storage is. For security I like to keep anything important on me or in a backpack, lest someone try and steal something from the stoller. I tend not to use them that much when travelling.
4. Recline
The final important feature is recline. Do you need a reclining seat or not? Strollers that feature a recline generally are bulkier and weigh more. This might be worth it if your child naps in a stroller. The bigger stroller might be a worth while trade-off so your kid can nap and you can go about your travels as they do. Otherwise, maybe consider a stroller with little or no recline to save on weight and space.
Conclusion
All of these 10 strollers deserve to be in the top 10 position and that is the only reason that they are here. There are tons of strollers in the market but these 10 are best in every single manner. One very important part is non-mentioned here in our review which is your color combination choice. It is actually up to you to find out which color you like the most and we didn’t want to interfere in that. Remember that stroller will give you amazing and memorable moments with your kid which you can cherish for lifetime. Thus, you should choose wisely. Best of luck in being a parent. It is the nicest feeling of the world.
