Key Takeaways
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Travel strollers are typically smaller, lighter, and fold more compactly than full-size strollers
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Even toddlers who don’t normally prefer riding in a stroller may be more likely to do so when traveling
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Look for a travel stroller that combines comfort + maneuverability for the best travel experience for your toddler
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The Orbit Baby M+ stroller can feel more sturdy with toddlers and older kids thanks to its more substantial design
As full sized strollers have become more substantial and feature-rich, the market for travel strollers has increased. Parents don’t want to lug a 30+ lb stroller through an airport, and who could blame them?
Today’s travel strollers often boast extremely compact folding options that allow them to be stored in an airplane’s overhead bin, but some sacrifice comfort for compactness. The ideal travel stroller for your toddler is lightweight, foldable, and easy to tote, but also offers a comfortable ride while being easy to push.
With so many options to choose from, let’s take a look at some of the best strollers available and how they compare.
6 Best Travel Strollers for Toddlers: A Quick Overview
|
Stroller |
Best for X |
Stand Out Feature |
Starting Price |
|
Orbit Baby M+ |
Most users |
SmartHub base |
$699 |
|
Joolz Aer 2 |
Heavy travelers |
Light and compact |
$579 |
|
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 |
Storage + Canopy coverage |
Easy fold |
$599 |
|
Nuna TRVL lx |
Varying terrain |
Upgraded wheels |
$600 |
|
Stokke YOYO3 |
Urban use |
One-handed handling |
$649 |
|
UPPAbaby Minu V3 |
Easy harnessing |
Sturdy construction |
$500 |
Orbit Baby M+ Stroller: Best for Most Families
The Orbit Baby M+ travel stroller marries the robust feature list of a full-size stroller with the compact design of a travel stroller for an all-in-one solution that works well for parents on the go.
It offers portability without sacrificing style and comfort, making it a great option for parents who prefer to use one stroller to meet all their needs rather than purchasing a separate travel stroller in addition to a full-size option.
The M+ folds compactly enough to be stored in an airplane’s overhead bin, and its “luggage mode” rolling fold also comes in handy. When opened, the stroller seat offers 360 degrees of rotation and multiple recline options to ensure your little one finds a comfortable position, while the telescoping handlebar ensures comfort for you, too.
Key features
Foldable strollers usually sacrifice features in the name of function, but the Orbit Baby M+ still offers a robust list of things to love.
360 Degrees of Rotation
Most travel strollers offer a fixed seat position, but the M+ can be parent or world-facing and rotates into position with ease. Multiple recline options can accommodate naps on the go.
“Luggage Mode” Rolling Fold
When folded, the car seat can be rolled like carryon luggage to make it ultra transportable. It is approved for storage inside an overhead airline storage bin, as well, eliminating the need to check the stroller at the gate.
High-Quality Materials
The M+ utilizes UPF 50+ fabrics to provide sun protection, and all materials are tested to Oeko-Tex® standards. The washable seat liner promises comfort + convenience. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame allows for strength and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Pricing
The Orbit Baby M+ stroller starts at $699.
Where the Orbit Baby M+ Stroller shines
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Robust features: Some foldable strollers feel spartan, but the M+ offers luxury at every turn
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360 degrees of rotation: The positional flexibility is a rarity in the foldable stroller market
Where the Orbit Baby M+ Stroller falls short
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Two-handed fold: While it does fold compactly enough to store in an overhead airplane bin, its mechanism is slightly more complex and requires two hands
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Heavier: While still lightweight, the M+ is a bit heavier than the most lightweight travel options
Who the Orbit Baby M+ Stroller is best for
Since most parents only travel occasionally, it makes sense to own a stroller with features you love that also travels well when necessary. The M+ offers both features and flexibility with a compact design that works well as a toddler travel stroller.
Joolz Aer 2

The Joolz Aer 2 is a highly regarded travel stroller. Its design is focused around being lightweight and simple to fold.
Key features
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Extremely lightweight and compact: weighs less than 14 lbs and folds up easily and compactly, able to be stored in an airplane’s overhead bin.
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Simple, intuitive folding mechanism: can be collapsed one-handed
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Transferable warranty: good for 10 years, even if you resell or gift it to someone else
Pricing
The Joolz Aer 2 is priced at $549.
Where the Joolz Aer 2 shines
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Super lightweight and folds easily
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Offers a 10 year transferable warranty
Where the Joolz Aer 2 falls short
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Items like a snack tray and leg rest are sold separately
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Struggles some with rough terrain; less robust suspension
Who the Joolz Aer 2 is best for
This stroller works well for frequent flier families who don’t mind forsaking a few features for a quick and compact fold.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 has a wider seat that can accommodate older children well and a quick, simple folding mechanism.
Key features
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Easy folding mechanism: a “one second,” one-handed fold is great for traveling parents
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Good under seat storage: Storage basket has good capacity for a travel stroller
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Extra large canopy: provides shade even for older kids
Pricing
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 starts at $599.
Where the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 shines
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Storage: Sizeable storage area
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Seat size: Wider seat than average accommodates older children more comfortably
Where the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 falls short
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Positioning Limitations: It does not fully recline and it also doesn’t sit fully upright
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Stability: Some parents say it doesn’t always feel sturdy, especially on tight turns
Who the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is best for
The Butterfly works well as a regular daily-driver stroller that also doubles as a solid travel option.
Nuna TRVL lx

The Nuna TRVL lx is a compact travel stroller with leveled-up wheels to offer better handling on varied terrain.
Key features
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Front swivel wheels with swivel locks: better handles uneven terrain
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Progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology: provides a smooth ride
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One-handed steering: for easy maneuverability
Pricing
The Nuna TRVL lx starts at $600.
Where the Nuna TRVL lx shines
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Smooth ride: the lx version offers bigger tires and a better suspension than the standard Nuna TRVL, for a smoother ride over any terrain
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One-handed fold: for easy collapsing; can be carried by handlebar or with carry strap
Where the Nuna TRVL lx falls short
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Bigger than carry-on size: won’t fit in the overhead airplane bin and must be gate-checked
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Fixed seat position: forward facing only
Who the Nuna TRVL lx is best for
If your travel doesn’t need to include an airplane—or you don’t mind gate checking your stroller—the Nuna TRVL lx makes a solid choice.
Stokke YOYO 3

The Stokke YOYO3 (formerly known as BabyZen) has an ultra compact fold and lightweight frame ideal for travel
Key features
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Super lightweight: at less than 14 lbs, it’s a very lightweight stroller
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Padded shoulder strap included: for ultimate portability
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create extra spaFoldable handlebar: ce in a crowded elevator or cafe; also doubles as a changing table
Pricing
The Stokke YOYO3 starts at $499,
Where the Stokke YOYO3 shines
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One-handed handling: remarkably easy to steer one-handed
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Good storage: Sizeable storage for a travel stroller
Where the Stokke YOYO 3 falls short
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Tricky folding mechanism: while it folds compactly, executing the fold isn’t always straightforward
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Fixed seating position: forward-facing only
Who the Stokke YOYO 3 is best for
The easy one-handed steering is an especially nice feature in urban settings.
UPPAbaby Minu V3

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is a travel stroller that also offers sizable storage, making it a good companion for running errands.
Key features
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Highly portable: folds compactly enough to fit into an overhead airline storage bin
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Roomy storage: large storage compartment for a travel stroller
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Integrated carry strap: for maximum portability
Pricing
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 starts at $500.
Where the UPPAbaby Minu V3 shines
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Storage: usually travel strollers have limited storage capacity, but UPPAbaby offers a roomy 20 lbs of underseat storage
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Superior suspension: for a smooth ride and good maneuverability
Where the UPPAbaby Minu V3 falls short
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Seat might be too reclined for toddlers: even in its most upright position, the Minu still offers a notable recline older children might not like
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Harder to fold: While it unfolds easily, folding the Minu takes a bit more effort
Who the UPPAbaby Minu V3 is best for
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 offers enough features of a full-sized stroller to work as a daily stroller option for parents who only travel occasionally.
How to Choose the Best Travel Stroller for Your Toddler
Choosing the best travel stroller for your family involves considering how you’ll use it and what features you need to prioritize.
Overall Usage
How often do you plan to travel? Parents with a very heavy travel schedule might value a stroller specifically calibrated for travel (lightweight, able to store in an overhead bin, easily collapsible). For more infrequent or moderate travelers, they might value a stroller that shines in their day-to-day routines but is also equipped to travel well. The Orbit Baby M+ offers many of the features you’d find in a full-size stroller with a compact fold that works in an airline’s overhead bin for the best of both worlds.
Size and Weight
A small, lightweight stroller might seem ideal … until you need to push it over uneven terrain or utilize it for a full day of walking around. Small, lightweight strollers can be great, but they do have some drawbacks. You may want a stroller that’s a little more substantial, like the Orbit Baby M+, that’s still highly portable.
Features
Some strollers come with a long list of bells and whistles, but if you’re shopping for a travel stroller then we’d encourage you to focus on features that impact functionality and comfort. Multiple recline and seat positions, an adjustable handlebar, and decent underseat storage are a few features worth emphasizing.
Travel With Your Toddler In Style Using Orbit Baby
When it comes to choosing a travel stroller for your toddler, weighing features versus function can be overwhelming. Most travel strollers offer minimal style and features to remain portable and lightweight.
However, there are options on the market like Orbit Baby’s M+ stroller that combines the best of a travel stroller—lightweight, compact fold—with the features of a full size stroller that can give you confidence in a comfortable, secure ride for your little one without sacrificing style.


