15 of the best lightweight and compacted travel strollers for family adventures, tested by parents

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller was awarded Gold for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The Hauck Travel N Care Stroller is a budget-friendly yet premium option for parents on the go. Setting it up is a breeze with its simple assembly, and the intuitive one-handed fold mechanism makes it an amazing time-saver for busy parents, which we loved. Testers also found this stroller lightweight which makes it great for travelling. Deputy Digital Editor for Mother and Baby Stephanie Spencer said, "Really compact and easy to open, especially if you’re on your own! I like that you can sling it over your shoulder easily, too."

Our mum tester, Jodie, loved the design saying, "I am really impressed with the design, it offers a variety of positions for your baby and allows them to be sat upright which is great if you have a curious baby like mine, who detests nothing more than being laid downwards. He enjoys holding onto the safety bar during our walks and the straps are easy to clip in - no fiddly or complicated restraints." While the Hauck Travel N Care Stroller boasts many impressive features, including an adjustable footrest, removable/washable covers, and ample storage basket, some users have noted that the canopy could be extended further to provide more extensive coverage from the sun, especially during intense sunlight hours and when travelling in sunny locations, although Stephanie Spencer said, "the sun shade covers right over, probably more so than other strollers I’ve used so extra shading in the sun."

A real plus is that it is easy to clean so it won't matter too much about melting ice-creams or any unfortunate travel sickness. We also loved that it comes in a range of colours and Stephanie Spencer really liked the olive green colour. Our tester was impressed with how flat it lies for naps and also commented on how easy it is to use, saying, "It’s smooth to push along, too."

Read our full Hauck Travel N Care Stroller review.

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller was awarded Silver for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller offers convenience and practicality. We loved the look of this travel pram, which gives style at an affordable price point. But testers also noted that it is easy to collapse, which is what you need when travelling, and it is lightweight, so it is convenient to transport even when folded. Our dad tester, Chris, commented, "It's easy to both collapse and fold open, and it’s become our preferred choice when we decide to take shorter walks to get out of the house."

We found this pram was amazing for city living and smooth pavements but struggled a little on more uneven terrain. So, if you are looking for something that looks great for a city break, this is an ideal choice. Dad, Chris, thinks it is a great second pram and noted, "It’s also proven to be an invaluable failsafe for those situations where one of us has ‘forgotten’ that the pram is in the boot of whichever car they happen to have driven off to work in, meaning we don’t have to carry baby far on the way to nursery."

Read our full John Lewis & Partners Everyday Stroller review.

With an automatic, one-handed fold, the Graco Myavo is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to take on the go, just what you need when travelling with a little one. Our tester, Senior Writer Samantha Ball, said, "It's a brilliant compact design, incredibly easy to use and lightweight enough to carry." We like that it has the option of a three- or five-point harness system to keep your little one secure and a detachable bumper bar to make it easier to put them in and take them out. Additionally, the UPF50+ canopy provides amazing comfort and protection from UV rays, enhancing the stroller's appeal and making it a fantastic option for parents planning a holiday.

Testers liked the compact design and integrated folding lock which ensures hassle-free transportation and storage, plus they noted it fits easily into car boots, leaving ample space for other essentials. While it can be folded one-handed, testers found that the mechanism for the one-handed fold can be tricky to use at first, and also commented that their child sometimes slid down in the seat. That said, Samantha Ball was impressed by the one-hand fold, commenting, "The one-handed fold alone was enough to impress me."

However, the Graco Myavo still excels in usability and build quality. Its smooth manoeuvrability over various terrains and easy recline feature make it a practical choice for everyday use. Plus, little ones seem to find it comfortable, too, with Samantha Ball adding, "My daughter was actually happy to stay sat in the stroller, and I loved that she felt comfortable enough to stay sat in it, as she would normally try to climb out. The Graco Myavo is definitely a great travel stroller."

Read our full Graco Myavo review

The Joolz Aer was awarded Bronze for Best Lightweight Buggy/Stroller at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

With a width of just 44cm, the lightweight Joolz Aer can be taken straight onto the plane and popped into the overhead locker, which we love, and it is a real plus for a travel stroller, especially with a carry handle to make carrying it even easier. Plus, even better, the stroller is available in three colours, including refined Black, and it is made from recycled plastic bottles rescued from our oceans, so it is kind to the environment, too.

The large, extended hood offers UPF 50 sun protection to keep your baby safe and also has ventilation to keep your little one cool. Its robust construction and premium feel make it suitable for both urban and rural walks, accommodating children comfortably while being easy to manoeuvre for parents of varying heights. However, the reclining transition is not very smooth, and reviewers thought this could be improved.

The Aer's compact fold and integrated shoulder strap make taking this pram out quite literally a walk in the park. It fits into car boots effortlessly and still leaves ample space for other essentials like trikes, scooters and shopping. Plus, customers commented, "It collapses small enough so it can be stored easily and is also great for restaurants as it again goes down so easily so you have more room."

We loved that despite its lightweight design, the stroller maintains a high-quality feel, and reviewers really liked it, saying, "We bought this buggy when I was eight months pregnant for our 2.5-year-old, and I just wish we had got it sooner," while others noted that it's "lightweight yet feels sturdy."

Read our full Joolz Aer buggy review

Super-slim and perfect from birth and for growing toddlers, the Airo pushchair is perfect for navigating tight spaces. Not only is it Mamas & Papas' lightest ever pushchair, but the stroller can even be worn as a backpack when your little one would prefer to toddle on their own, which we think makes it the perfect travel stroller. Mother&Baby Editor Maria Martin tested the pushchair and said, "My 1-year-old and I have been testing the Airo out for about 15 months. The pushchair has served us well as a light compact travel assistant that's come in useful when boarding aeroplanes and also when out on busy city day trips."

Testers liked that it folds with one hand and is solid and sturdy, thanks to the unique dual-sided wheel lock. Maria Martin also commented that "it folds down to a compact size and is super lightweight. We've been able to fit this into every car boot possible." With adjustable positions for your baby, a bumper bar, and a quick-fit five-point harness, testers love that you can be safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfy and secure. Plus, it is cabin-friendly, so it can be carried onto the plane.

Impressively, despite being compact, it has great underseat storage. Maria Martin found that "the under-seat storage compartment is big enough for snacks, water bottles, hats, etc. We added a couple of buggy clips too, which have helped attach a change bag whilst on the move." However, some reviewers did note that the seat is smaller than on other strollers, and so may not be as comfortable for larger toddlers. That said, our tester, Maria Martin, added, "I love that the seat can lie completely flat and that the Airo can be used with a sun shield/insect net (sold separately) – handy when nap times are calling, but home is nowhere in sight."

Read our full Mamas & Papas Airo review

Becoming one of the go-to for many mums and dads, this versatile stroller wears a few different hats, it’s easy to take around cities and can be picked up when catching the underground or bus. Plus, it's also easy to take on an aeroplane and can be popped into the overhead lockers. Our Group Editor, Maria Martin, tested the stroller and said, "This stroller is a game changer – I just love how sturdy it feels during static or on the move."

Testers really liked that the lightweight YOYO2 incorporates Hytrel elastomer suspension on all four wheels, meaning it is a very comfortable ride for your tots, but also convenient for parents to carry, our tester, Maria, noted, "Its lightweight feature is impressive, making it all too easy to get in and out of my car boot." BABYZEN also uses their patented Soft Drive system, eliminating the need to lock the front wheels on rough terrain for easier manoeuvrability so you can steer with one hand if needed. We also liked that the seat feels well-padded, and Maria agreed, adding, "It’s comfortable for my little one."

It is worthwhile noting that the price is just for the frame, so if you want a colour pack, then you need to pay extra, which disappointed some reviewers. There's also the option to add a newborn pack which means you can use the stroller from birth. Our reviewer, Maria, was impressed with the fact it "folds into a cabin baggage size, keeping all straps in place," which makes it an ideal travel stroller.

Read our full BABYZEN YOYO² review.

If you're a frequent flyer looking for a practical travel pushchair, the Joie Pact might just be it. Impressively light, a doddle to fold, and seriously compact, we love that it even comes with its own storage bag and has an integrated carrying strap. It is also compatible with some models of Joie car seats which makes it even more convenient when travelling. One reviewer said, "I bought this as I need to travel by train with my 5-month-old. I can fold and unfold it with ease with one hand, whilst holding my baby. It's extremely lightweight, and the strap is great for carrying it."

Reviewers really liked the all-wheel suspension, which ensures a smooth ride for your baby on all types of terrain and we love the lie-flat seat, which is suitable from birth. However, there was some criticism about the back rest which doesn't fully rise and could be more comfortable.

Overall, testers were impressed and said the stroller was good quality, and they like how compact it is so it doesn't take up too much room in the boot of the car. One mum tester was impressed and commented, "it feels of good quality and will grow with my baby. It's perfect for travelling with and folds up very small to fit the boot of a car."

The Jet 5 pushchair from Silver Cross is bursting with features to make everyday strolls a breeze. It is aircraft cabin approved and suitable for newborns, plus we love that it is also car seat compatible. on the market, perfect for parents who need something light yet robust and great for family holidays with little ones; as one reviewer said, "I bought this pushchair for my five-month-old baby to take on holiday, and it was perfect."

The compact fold is popular with parents, and one reviewer said, "bought this for a trip but ended up using it all the time because it folds up nice and small in the car." Despite being compact, it has longevity too and is suitable for up to 4 years old, it also has a useful one-hand recline and magnetic buckle for safety and convenience.

We were also impressed with the larger, more durable wheels and the flip-flop brake, as well as the pull-along handle for when it is folded, making it easy to transport through the airport or just from your car to the house. The stroller does have a good size shopping basket, but one reviewer commented that it is hard to access, saying, "The bar in the shopping cart is problematic for large bags, but it’s necessary to keep the whole thing stable so don’t expect to be able to put much in the cart."

Overall it is a great, compact travel stroller, and one reviewer said, "I love this stroller and highly recommend it. It’s also a really visually appealing piece, so A+ for that luxury styling." However, another reviewer added, "It does not feel quite as stable to push as a more substantial pushchair but is very good for travelling. Very smart, and reclines fully for a sleeping tot. Very easy to fold in one movement and packs away small."

This is a robust travel stroller, and we love that it is suitable for up to 25kg; plus, it has an extra spacious seat for your little one. With puncture-proof tyres, this stroller will tackle even the toughest family adventure, as our mum tester, Nicolle, found, saying, "We have taken it across a range of terrains including grass and gravel, and the product handles every substrate." Plus, the basket can hold up to 8kg, so it will be able to store all your travel essentials. One reviewer said, "This buggy is really easy to fold with 1 hand while holding a toddler, goes nice and small and is easy to lift - not as super lightweight as some, but no problem for lifting in and out of the car. It has a great size basket and is sturdy, so you can hang lots on the handle without risk of tipping. I have taken this to parks, over cobbles, gravel, and dirt tracks, and it handles well!"

Some reviewers found the stroller heavier than other strollers, but once folded it is easy to transport. Our mum tester, Nicolle, says, "It is very easy to carry when folded. Having the grab bar where it is in the design makes it really easy to carry close to the body with a straight back." Reviewers also commented, "It's great, I walk everywhere as I don't drive, and it's so much better than my last stroller. It has really good suspension so it is good at getting up paths, it also has some other helpful features such as a bell. In addition, if you travel abroad, it can fold so you can wheel it easily while folded so it's perfect for transporting. I honestly can't fault this stroller at all."

Of course, the design is outstanding and really adds a touch of style to this stroller for all your family adventures, plus it is great for longevity because it last flat from birth and will last well into the toddler years. Our mum tester, Nicolle, commented, "we love the extended hood and the viewing hatch, it seems very UV resistant too. Being able to raise and lower the seat back is a great idea, as you can tailor it specifically for your baby’s needs. The pattern seems very good for sensory and keeps our little one occupied."

The Metro + will keep your precious cargo comfy, whether you're in Barcelona or Bromley, thanks to smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres. We love that the seat has plush padding, as well as an adjustable leg rest and faux-leather handlebars, which make the stroller perfect for smaller or taller parents. Reviewers were impressed and commented, saying, "After a lot of research, we picked the metro based on sturdiness, weight, large sun canopy and tyre size."

This is a lightweight stroller that easily fits on buses, tubes, trains, and planes, weighing just 7.8kg. Reviewers also commented that it is compact when folded and can even fit in the footwell of a car. Our mum tester, Fran, said, "the fold function on the stroller is really easy to use but to unfold the stroller out this takes some getting used to and required two hands, the manoeuvrability of the stroller was great and can be done one handed."  However, while the stroller feels strong, the shopping baskets do not feel as secure, which bothered some reviewers.

Nevertheless, the sleek, streamlined design is still impressive and makes this a great choice for adventures. Fran added, "the stroller isn’t an off road buggy but it did handle some of the uneven paths and curbs surprisingly well and proved to be very versatile." One reviewer added, "We took it on holiday and are really happy with the product. The stroller feels much heavier than 6kg - more towards 7kg but does fold up pretty compact."

Read our full Ergobaby Metro+ review.

Bugaboo is always popular and the Bugaboo Butterfly is impressively compact, plus we like the one-second fold which is great for travelling but also for day to day city life. Parents were impressed with how easy it is to set up and open, with one reviewer saying, "I opened the box, and you simply push in two buttons with one hand, and the whole thing pops right open. It also closes that easily as well." Plus, they liked that it is really lightweight, plus because it is compact, it doesn't take up much room in the boot of the car, which is extremely handy because we all know how much stuff you need to pack when away with children.

While it might be small and light, you can still put up to 8kg in the basket, which is perfect for a shopping trip. Unfortunately, the Bugaboo Butterfly is not suitable for newborns, so you will need an alternative travel buggy for those early days. However, it is suitable from 6 months and can hold a weight of 22kg. For travelling, there is a shoulder strap to make carrying it much more convenient, and reviewers described it as "comfortable." Plus it can be carried onto the plane as hand luggage.

We also love that this is compatible with various Bugaboo accessories, which is great for parents who have already purchased accessories for a Bugaboo pram. The reviewers liked the different colours, and one reviewer said, "I got green, which is the prettiest colour for our sweet little boy." They were also impressed with the car seat adapter which is easy to add to the stroller, and one customer added that "his Nuna Air car seat just pops right on," and he continued, "I love this stroller and how it can grow with our little boy for several years to come."

Read our full Bugaboo Butterfly review.

Suitable from birth, with a flat reclining seat, this tiny traveller is proof that big things can come in small packages, with three different modes to choose from, including a carrycot, infant carrier and forward-facing option. Reviewers liked that it offered a multi-position recline to help your little one sleep soundly when out and about.

Weighing just under 6kg, the Tourist offers easy hands-free folding, as well as a handy carry strap and a storage bag which is great for travelling through airports or on planes, but also on buses and trains. For everyday trips out to the shops or day trips with the family, there is a roomy basket for all your essentials, which we love. Reviewers agreed with one customer commenting, "I purchased Joie Tourist for my one-year-old baby girl. I switched from a massive and heavy pushchair to a light one; it's so easy to use and can be folded and unfolded with one hand. It fits everywhere, and the design is lovely. I would recommend it."

Some testers found the harness is not that easy to use and can be fiddly, so they suggested it could do with improvement, but they liked the lockable front wheel for tough terrain and were impressed with the lie-flat option, making it suitable from birth. It is a great stroller to see you through from the newborn days right through the toddler years.

Read our full Joie Baby Tourist review.

Hauck's Sport stroller is the ideal travel companion, not only for public transport but for travelling too. Our dad tester, Michael, said, "The stroller is very light, easy to push around and can be lifted with one hand when folded. Ideal and helpful for travelling especially when using public transport like bus and train." The Hauck Sport has an easy and compact fold that will fit in most car boots, so getting where you need to be is simple with very little hassle. Reviewers were impressed with its simplicity, with one commenting, "I bought it to take on holiday with me, and it was easy to fold, super light and worked absolutely fine. It doesn't have any fancy features, but you really can't expect them for the price. I'd recommend this product." Our dad tester, Michael, also added, "It folds down to a compact size, ideal for storage and travel. We normally keep it near the front door, it's easily stored and doesn't get in the way of people in the house."

Our reviewers thought its lightweight frame makes it easy to push around, which is great when out and about every day or on holiday. Plus, the basket underneath has enough space for all your essentials. Testers did note that the wheels could be improved because they are a bit small, and our dad tester, Michael, noted, "It would be nice if the wheels had rubber surfaces for better grip." But for an affordable stroller, this is a great option, and we liked that it is strong and durable to withstand travelling and everyday use. Michael also commented that it is spacious for different ages, saying, "We have a one-year-old and three-year-old, even though the stroller is compact, it gives them enough space and accommodates them easily and feel comfortable."

Price is a big plus here, and one customer said, "I was pleasantly surprised about this stroller. Considering how little it costs, it really does do the job!" We like the fact that it is lightweight and durable but won't break the bank.

Combining other styles and practicality, the Stokke YoYo3 is perfect for all your family's travels. Our Senior Digital Writer, Anne Lora Scagliusi, says, "Now I totally get the hype around the YoYo3 travel stroller since I've finally had the chance to use it! I got it in the Toffee colour, which looks really sophisticated. It’s super lightweight, making it so easy to push around. My son feels snug and comfy in it, and there's plenty of room for him to grow, so I know I can use it for the next few years. The only downside was putting it together—I had a bit of a struggle and ended up watching a YouTube video because the manual was pretty confusing. Also, folding it isn’t as easy as I hoped; it takes a bit more effort than just one simple step. But overall, I'm really happy with it and love the luxe vibe it adds to our daily outings!"

There are some great details and design features which we love, including the perforated back for air circulation, 4-wheel suspension, reflective wheels, foldable handlebar and the soft nest pad for comfort. It is a great stroller for convenient travel and looks good too!

This great stroller is hand baggage compatible and has a one-handed fold, which automatically locks when folded. It also freely stands when folded which is handy for storage. Suitable from birth to 25kg, this is a sturdy and robust stroller which will last for many family adventures. One reviewer said, "It is so much sturdier than most other options on the market. Especially ones which are actually airline comparable for hand luggage. Good size hood and basket size underneath. It's a smooth ride for my son, and he climbed straight in and didn't want to get out."

With a large basket for shopping or your travel essentials, this is a great stroller for storage plus, we love the recline function for ensuring your little one is comfortable. However, one reviewer did comment, "the recline mechanism is very lightweight in comparison to the Wow Continental."

Typical of Cosatto, we love the design with a fun pattern on the interior of the hood, but a black exterior which is practical for travelling and keeping the stroller clean. With padded seats, a removable bumper bar and a five-point harness, this stroller is both safe and comfortable for your little one.