Best Travel Strollers | 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?

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

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 with infant car seat and without

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:

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

Best Travel Stroller For Newborns

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.

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

The SilverCross Jet5 and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are both 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 Aer+ offers a bassinet sold separately that’s specifically designed for use with the Aer+ frame. While it 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.

Best Travel Stroller For Toddlers

When it comes to older babies or taller toddlers, Bugaboo Butterfly 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.

Lightest Best Travel Stroller

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

But one model leads the pack: the Joolz Aer+, which tips the scales at just 13.2 lbs. Featherlight and easy to carry, it’s integrated carry strap allows for an effortless shoulder tote. When you’re juggling bags and baby, every pound really does count.

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, Joolz Aer+, and UPPAbaby Minu V3 offer optional ride-on boards, perfect for big siblings needing a quick ride.
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.
SilverCross Jet5 supports up to 55 lbs and has a magnetic harness for quick, hassle-free securing.
UPPAbaby Minu V3 stands out with its carriage mode for newborns, 20 lb storage capacity, and GREENGUARD GOLD Certification for cleaner air quality.

Bugaboo Butterfly 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
Full suspension
Carry strap
One hand steering
Extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy with breezy panel
One-hand seat 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 Aer+ Features:

One-step, one-hand fold
Overhead bin compatible
Reclining seat
Ultra large sun hood, with UPF50+ protection and ventilation panel
4 wheel suspension
Integrated carry strap
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

SilverCross Jet5 Features:

Overhead bin compatible
Fully flat, newborn approved recline
Extendable canopy with UPF50+ protection and ventilated, mesh viewing window.
Magnetic harness buckle
Adjustable leg-rest
Pull along bumper bar
Anti-crease fabrics
Infant car seat compatible with adapters sold separately

UPPAbaby Minu V3 Features:

UPPAbaby Minu V3 with toddler pushed in city

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: 6 months to 50 lbs
Cybex Coya: 6 months to 55 lbs
Joolz Aer+: 6 months to 50 lbs
SilverCross Jet5: from birth to 55 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: from birth to 50 lbs

Weight:

Bugaboo Butterfly: 16.09 lbs
Cybex Coya: 14.6 lbs
Joolz Aer+: 13.2 lbs
SilverCross Jet5: 15.87 lbs
UPPAbaby Minu V3: 16.7 lbs

Open Dimensions:

Bugaboo Butterfly: L 36.42 x W 17.72 x H 40.31"
Cybex Coya: L 31.1 x W 17.3 x H 38.2"
Joolz Aer+: L 32.7 x W 17.7 x H 41.5"
SilverCross Jet5: L 33 x W 20 x H 41.5"
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 34.5 x W 18 x H 41.5"

Folded Dimensions:

Bugaboo Butterfly: L 17.02 x W 9.06 x H 21.26″
Cybex Coya: L 20.5 x W 17.3 x H 7.1″
Joolz Aer+: L 21 x W 17.7 x H 8.5″
SilverCross Jet5: L 10 x W 14.5 x H 24.5″
UPPAbaby Minu V3: L 10 x W 18 x H 21.5″

Storage Capacity:

What's in the box:

Bugaboo Butterfly: Stroller, carry strap, rain cover, seat inlay
Cybex Coya: Stroller, carry strap, car seat adapters
Joolz Aer+: Stroller, travel pouch
SilverCross Jet5: Stroller, bumper bar, protective cover, rain cover
UPPAbaby Minu V3: Stroller

Warranty:

Bugaboo Butterfly: 1 year extendable to 3
Cybex Coya: 2 years
Joolz Aer+: 10 year transferable
SilverCross Jet5: 3 years
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 Accessories:

Cybex Coya Accessories:

Joolz Aer+ Accessories:

SilverCross Jet5 Accessories:

UPPAbaby Minu V3 Accessories:

What is the best travel stroller?

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.

What is the best double travel stroller?

To continue reading about travel strollers check out our blog comparison: Nuna TRVL Dubl vs. UPPAbaby Minu Duo

Additional Travel Resources:

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

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.