Best Travel Strollers of 2026 | Stroller Comparison

April 23, 2025

Stephanie Giustino

Every parent-to-be should have a travel stroller on their registry—even if you've got your eye on a full-size stroller with all the bells and whistles, complete with a matching infant car seat. We’re here to gently shake up everything you’ve been told to want and help you focus on what you’ll actually need.

Sure, that fancy “travel system” might scream luxury and turn heads with its stylish design and matching car seat. But what if we told you there's a smarter, simpler way to handle those curb-to-car transitions?

(Photo features the UPPAbaby Minu V3)

The Power of a Compact Stroller

Enter the compact travel stroller—tiny but mighty. These lightweight, ultra-compact strollers can also be paired with infant car seats, creating what we think is the ultimate modern-day “travel system.” Parents on the move quickly learn that size, weight, and maneuverability are the name of the game. You don’t need to pull out your all-terrain stroller for a quick Target run.

Travel-sized strollers provide:

Easy maneuverability
Infant car seat compatibility
Minimal trunk space usage

This leaves you plenty of room for all the extra things you didn't plan to buy at Target.

We’re not saying to count out a full-size stroller completely. If your family loves long walks or frequently adventures across rugged terrain, an all-terrain stroller will be a must-have. But between one lightweight, compact stroller and one all-terrain option, your stroller needs are fully covered from day one.

And hey—if your family doesn't do much outdoor trekking? A compact travel stroller might be your one and only!

Travel strollers go beyond airports. They’re just as valuable for daily errands, city living, or just keeping up with an active lifestyle.

To help you out, we’ve curated a list of our favorite travel strollers, narrowing the search so you can find a best-in-class option that truly meets your needs.

Best Travel System for Travel in 2026

So what exactly is a travel system? Despite the name, it’s not just for jet-setting. A travel system refers to any stroller + infant car seat combo—essentially your go-to transportation method from birth and beyond.

Parents usually start their registry by choosing an infant car seat and a compatible stroller. This allows for seamless transitions from car to stroller, without disturbing a sleeping baby.

Every travel stroller we’ve included is compatible with infant car seats, adapters are required and support a variety of car seat brands.

Cybex Coya as travel system with infant car seat and without

(Photo features the Cybex Coya)

The Cybex Coya stands out with its included car seat adapters right out of the box. We recommend pairing it with the Cybex Cloud T an innovative infant car seat with a recline mechanism that allows for a fully flat position when used with a stroller—ideal for newborn comfort and safety. This combo is particularly great for city families who rely on their stroller as their main mode of transport.

A cohesive on-brand experience is always the most popular choice. For a brand-loyal travel system, we recommend:

UPPAbaby Minu V3 used as travel system with UPPAbaby Aria

(Photo features the UPPAbaby Minu V3)

While Silver Cross does not offer US model infant car seats for an on-brand experience, the Clic provides an adapterless pairing with Nuna PIPA Series infant car seats. The strollers included bumper bar acts as built in car seat adapter allowing PIPA Series infant car seats to quickly lock into place and easily release.

Silver Cross Clic paired with Nuna PIPA RX Infant Car Seat for Travel System use

(Photo features the Silver Cross Clic)

Want to compare lightweight infant car seats? Check out our blog post Lightest Weight Car Seat Guide

Best Travel Strollers for Newborns in 2026

What makes a stroller newborn-ready? There are a few ways to safely stroll from birth:

Pair with an infant car seat
Attach a bassinet
Use a fully reclining stroller seat

While infant car seat compatibility is great for short trips, newborns truly need to lie flat as much as possible to promote healthy spine development and ensure open airways.

A stroller seat won’t be approved for newborn use unless it reclines fully flat. If the seat does not provide this flat position, it shouldn’t be used until your baby has full neck control and can sit upright independently.

(Photo features the UPPAbaby Minu V3)

All of our recommended strollers support infant car seat attachment, but a few go the extra mile for newborns:

The Joolz Aer2, SilverCross Clic, Silver Cross Nia, UPPAbaby Minu V3 are all newborn-ready right out of the box—no additional accessories required. Each offers a fully flat recline and a cozy, supportive space.

Now, if we were to rate newborn configurations, here’s how they would rank:

Infant Car Seat – Good
Fully Flat Reclining Seat – Better
Bassinet or Cot – Best

The Joolz Aer2 and Silver Cross Nia also offer an option to add a bassinet. While this does require an extra purchase, a bassinet provides the ultimate in comfort, safety, and convenience—especially when transferring a sleeping newborn from stroller to indoors without disruption. The Nia stands out even further, as the only stroller that can fold to an IATA, overhead bin compliant size even with its bassinet attached.

Silver Cross Nia

(Photo features the Silver Cross Nia)

Best Travel Stroller for Toddlers in 2026

When it comes to older babies or taller toddlers, Bugaboo Butterfly 2 takes the crown. Its seat back is significantly taller than most, offering excellent support and room for upward growth. Plus, it features a spacious undercarriage basket, perfect for hauling everything your toddler needs on the go—from snacks to spare shoes to sippy cups.

(Photo features the Bugaboo Butterfly)

Lightest Best Travel Stroller of 2026

All of our top picks weigh under 17 lbs—compare that to full-size strollers, which range from 20–30 lbs!

But two models lead the pack: the SilverCross Clic and Joolz Aer2, which tip the scales at just 13.2 lbs and 14.3 lbs respectively. Featherlight and easy to carry, their integrated carry straps allow for an effortless shoulder tote. When you’re juggling bags and baby, every pound really does count.

Joolz Aer2 folded and toted with shoulder carry strap

(Photo features Joolz Aer2)

Travel Stroller Features

With brands like Bugaboo, Cybex, Joolz, Silver Cross and UPPAbaby in the mix, you're looking at top-tier features across the board: UPF50+ canopies, breathable ventilation, smooth suspension, and premium fabrics. All of these strollers are carry-on approved and overhead bin compatible, allowing parents to keep their stroller close during every leg of the journey.

Some noteworthy highlights:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2, Joolz Aer2, and UPPAbaby Minu V3 offer optional ride-on boards, perfect for big siblings needing a quick ride.
The Silver Cross Nia is the only stroller that can fold to an overhead bin approved size with its bassinet attached. It also has the highest storage basket capacity at 22 lbs.
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 stands out with its carriage mode for newborns, 20 lb storage capacity, and GREENGUARD GOLD Certification for cleaner air quality.
Cybex Coya has a genius one-pull harness system (just like a car seat!), plus an all-season seat with removable comfort inlay revealing a breathable mesh back—perfect for warm days.
The SilverCross Clic and Silver Cross Nia support up to 55 lbs and have a magnetic harness for quick, hassle-free securing.

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Features:

One-second fold and unfold
Suitable for air travel, IATA-compatible
Large easily accessible underseat basket
Large adjustable seat to accommodate growth
Adjustable leg rest with one-hand adjustment
Full suspension
Carry strap
One hand steering
Extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy with mesh peek-a-boo window
One-hand seat recline, from fully upright to full recline
Crafted with 60% recycled aluminum, which reduces CO2 emissions by 16%
Built to last with premium-quality materials
PFAS-free water-repellent fabric coating
Modular design makes repairs easy, if needed
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

Cybex Coya Features:

Cybex Coya carried over shoulder with carry strap

Carry-on compatible
Front wheel suspension
One hand recline
Adjustable leg rest
One pull harness
Removable comfort inlay
Breathable mesh back rest
Integrated carry strap
One handed fold and unfold
3-section extendable sun canopy protects with UPF50+ protecting and mesh peek-a-boo window
Infant car seat compatible with included adapters

Joolz Aer2 Features:

One-step, one-hand fold
Overhead bin compatible - IATA Compliant
3 position one-hand recline - seated, relaxed, sleep
Ultra large sun hood, with UPF50+ protection and ventilation panel
One-hand adjustable leg rest
4 wheel suspension
Integrated carry strap
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

SilverCross Clic Features:

Newborn-ready lie-flat seat
One-hand recline
IATA compliant for most airline overhead bins
One-hand, self-standing fold
Pull-out shoulder strap
UPF 50+ sun canopy
Genius™ magnetic buckle
Adjustable calf support
Pavement-gliding wheels designed for smooth city strolling
Anti-crease fabric
Infant car seat compatible — no adapters needed
Bumper bar included

Silver Cross Nia Features:

The only travel stroller that is IATA Cabin Compliant in seat and bassinet more
One-hand, self-standing fold
Fully reclining, newborn ready seat
Travel system capable (infant car seat adapters sold separately)
Roomy seat with 55 lb weight capacity
Magnetic buckle for guided harnessing
Extendable UPF50+ sun canopy with ventilation panel
Catch-call comfort seat liner, is easily removable and machine washable
Full suspension
Adjustable footrest
Integrated carry strap for effortless shoulder tote
Spacious storage basket holds up to 22 lbs
Crease-free fabric and vegan leather details
One-hand push
Included bumper bar and rain cover

UPPAbaby Minu V3 Features:

Overhead bin compatible
One-step one-handed fold
All-wheel suspension
Fully flat, newborn ready recline and carriage mode
Adjustable leg rest
Zip-out, extendable, UPF50+ water repellant canopy with mesh peek-a-boo window
Integrated carry strap
Large easily accessible under carriage basket
No re-thread harness
Durable materials like 100% full grain leather and aluminum
GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

Comparing Specs and Dimensions:

Recommended Use:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : up to 50 lbs
Cybex Coya: 6 months to 55 lbs
Joolz Aer2 : 6 months to 50 lbs
SilverCross Clic: from birth to 55 lbs
Silver Cross Nia : from birth to 55 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: from birth to 50 lbs

Weight:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : 16.09 lbs
Cybex Coya: 14.6 lbs
Joolz Aer2 : 14.3 lbs
SilverCross Clic: 13.2 lbs
Silver Cross Nia: 17.5 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 16.7 lbs

Open Dimensions:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : L 37. x W 17.6 x H 40.5"
Cybex Coya: L 31.1 x W 17.3 x H 38.2"
Joolz Aer2 : L 33.5 x W 17.7 x H 41.9"
SilverCross Clic: L 32.3 W x 18.3 x H 41.3"
Silver Cross Nia : L 34.5. x W 17.5 x H 42"
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 34.5 x W 18 x H 41.5"

Folded Dimensions:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : L 17.02 x W 9.06 x H 21.8″
Cybex Coya: L 20.5 x W 17.3 x H 7.1″
Joolz Aer2 : L 20.9 x W 17.3 x H 9.2″
SilverCross Clic: L 18.3 x W 9.8 x H 21.3"
Silver Cross Nia : L 9.5 x W 17.5 x H 21.5″
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 10 x W 18 x H 21.5″

Storage Capacity:

What's in the box:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : Stroller, carry strap, seat inlay
Cybex Coya: Stroller, carry strap, car seat adapters
Joolz Aer2 : Stroller, travel pouch
SilverCross Clic: stroller, bumper bar
Silver Cross Nia : Stroller, bumper bar, seat liner, rain cover
UPPAbaby Minu V3: Stroller

Warranty:

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 : 1 year extendable to 3
Cybex Coya: 2 years
Joolz Aer2 : 10 year transferable
SilverCross Clic: 2 years, extendable to 3
Silver Cross Nia : 2 years, extendable to 3
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 3 years

Don't Forget the Accessories

While accessories may feel like an afterthought, they’re actually a key part of your stroller decision. Not all strollers are compatible with all accessories, so it’s important to consider what's available for your preferred model. Let's explore the key accessories offered for each model.

Bugaboo Butterfly with toddler on ride-on-board

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Accessories:

Cybex Coya Accessories:

Joolz Aer2 Accessories:

Silver Cross Nia Accessories:

UPPAbaby Minu V3 Accessories:

What is the best travel stroller of 2026?

Here’s the truth: there’s no single "best" travel stroller for every family—but there is a best travel stroller for your family.

The beauty of a travel stroller is its flexibility. It’s not just for airports or vacations—it’s a practical, everyday solution. Whether you’re heading to the grocery store, cruising through city sidewalks, or navigating tight corners at your favorite café, a travel stroller provides unmatched convenience.

With easy folding, lightweight designs, infant car seat compatibility, and premium features, these strollers punch way above their weight class. Add in the fact that some models are newborn-ready or grow with your toddler, and it’s clear: a travel stroller isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a parenting essential.

So go ahead, register for that full-size stroller if you want it. But don’t sleep on the travel stroller. Your future self—carrying a sleeping baby, juggling bags, and trying to fit everything in your trunk—will thank you.

To continue reading about travel strollers continue to:

What is the best double travel stroller of 2026?

To learn about double travel strollers, check out our blog comparisons:

Additional Travel Resources:

Check out our Ultimate Travel Guide For Parents and our Travel Car Seat Run-Down

FAQs About Travel Strollers of 2026

What is a travel stroller?
A travel stroller is a lightweight, compact stroller designed for portability and convenience. It offers a tri-folds design, typically with an integrated carry strap or handle, making it easier to carry, store, and transport, especially for travel, errands, and public transportation.

Are travel strollers suitable for everyday use?
Many modern travel strollers are designed for daily use, not just vacations. Premium models now offer full recline seats, suspension, larger storage baskets, and higher weight limits, allowing them to function as primary strollers for many families.

Can a travel stroller be used from birth?
Some travel strollers are suitable from birth if they offer a fully flat recline or are compatible with an infant car seat or bassinet. Always check manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper newborn support and safety.

Can travel strollers hold an infant car seat?
Yes, many travel stroller can be paired with an infant car seat. Infant car seat adapters are typically required and sold separately.

What travel strollers can be used with a Nuna PIPA infant car seat?
All of the travel stroller included in our assortment can be used with a Nuna PIPA infant car seat. The Silver Cross Clic offers a direct connection without the need for adapters. The Cybex Coya and Libelle come with car seat adapters included that are compatible with Nuna PIPA infant car seats. Other popular models like the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, Joolz Aer 2, Silver Cross Nia and UPPAbaby Minu V3 offer separately sold infant car seat adapters for pairing with Nuna PIPA infant car seat models.

Do travel strollers fit in airplane overhead bins?
Certain travel strollers are designed to be IATA compliant and sized to fit in overhead bins, but not all models qualify. Airline policies vary, so overhead bin compatibility is never guaranteed, even with travel-sized strollers. The standard IATA size is a fold within 22 x 18 x 10 inches.

What are the approved dimensions for strollers to fit in an airplane overheard bin?
It is always best to check with airlines ahead of flights. The standard IATA size is a fold within 22 x 18 x 10 inches.

How much do travel strollers typically weigh?
Most travel strollers weigh between 12 and 20 pounds. Lighter models are easier to lift and carry, while slightly heavier options may offer more features, better suspension, or higher weight capacities.

What is the weight limit on a travel stroller?
Travel stroller weight limits commonly range from 40 to 55 pounds. Higher weight limits provide longer usability and are especially valuable for families who plan to use the stroller daily rather than occasionally. The Silver Cross Clic and Nia and Cybex Coya and Libelle all offer higher weight capacity seating to 55lbs.

Do travel strollers have enough storage?
Storage capacity varies widely. While many travel strollers have smaller baskets, some newer designs offer significantly larger storage that can handle everyday essentials like diaper bags, groceries, or personal items. The Silver Cross Nia has the highest storage basket capacity at 22 lbs.

Are travel strollers worth the investment?
For families who travel frequently, live in urban environments, or value lightweight convenience, a quality travel stroller can be a worthwhile investment. The best models balance compact design with comfort, durability, and features that support long-term use

Why should you trust Bambi Baby?

At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect stroller. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the stroller you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.

Still have questions?

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding Travel Strollers you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!

We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.