In 2016, I visited over 29 cities across 11 countries.
That meant that I booked 45+ flights, stayed in more than 40 Airbnbs, and spent over 250 days on the road. And all of that travel was done with just a carryon bag and a backpack.
That’s not my reality anymore. Because now, I have a baby.
But even though “baby” seems to be a synonym for “stuff”, that doesn’t stop us from travelling all together. I just have a newfound need for baby travel gear.
No matter how amazing it is at home, I’m certainly not going to be trying to wrestle Poppy’s 28 pound Uppababy Vista on a plane (did it once, not doing that again).
So that led me down the rabbit hole of finding the best lightweight travel stroller available on the market…(and travel high chair, portable changing station, baby backpack, carrier, etc. Ha!).
Anyway, I came up with these 9 best lightweight strollers:
Top 9 Best Lightweight Strollers
#1: Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
#2: ZOE Umbrella XL1 Single Stroller
#3: gb Pockit Stroller
#4: Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Stroller
#5: Chicco Capri Lightweight Stroller
#6: Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller
#7: Graco Verb Click Connect Stroller
#8: Graco LiteRider Click Connect Stroller
#9: Cosco Umbrella Stroller
#9: Bily Umbrella Stroller
But first, before we get into it…
Do You Really Need a Lightweight Travel Stroller?
I get it. Babies are expensive. And you're probably not turning cartwheels at the thought of buying another piece of baby gear.
But if you plan on traveling with your baby, you're going to need a travel stroller.
Because full-sized strollers take up a lot of space (yup, even when folded up) and with the other stuff you’re going to be lugging on to the plane (diaper bags, bottles, carrier, toys, and extras – there are always extras. Plus your own carryon!), a compact, lightweight stroller is lifesaver.
Protip
If you’re used to carryon travel like I am, fret not. Most airlines allow lightweight strollers to be “gate-checked” meaning you drop em’ off right before you get on the plane (and they don’t count as a “checked” bag).We wouldn’t be able to travel nearly as comfortably or conveniently without our beloved umbrella stroller.
What to Look For In A Travel Stroller
If you're considering purchasing a lightweight stroller specifically for traveling, here’s what you need to look for:
Function and Features
You're going to have your hands full already, so a stroller that opens and closes quickly and easily is a must. On top of that you’ll want some undercarriage space, canopy, and maybe a drink holder for your mai tai.
Portability
Look at how much it weighs and how big it is when it’s folded up (Does it even fold up, bro?). Nobody wants to wrestle a full sized stroller through the airport or onto a bus or ferry. So pay close attention here.
Style
Can’t stand the thought of showing your friends your travel photos because of the embarrassing stroller you keep around? No one should cringe at the thought of using their baby gear in public. So we looked at design, colour, and overall flare. And we didn’t just give our opinion. Our rating is also based on reviews from other moms and dads from across the continent.
Easy of Use
‘Cause ain’t nobody got time for the complicated-trap-door-hidden-latch type of strollers. So make sure unfolding doesn’t require you to have an engineering degree. We scoured the Amazon reviews section for first hand reports on how easily these babies open up and fold down.
Price
Price point is critical. Don’t overpay for something that doesn’t hack it. But on the same token, we’re OK not buying the cheapest option if it’s leaps and bounds better than the other products out there. So don’t worry, we got you covered. We compared prices so you’ll know if the product is worth the price tag.
With so many to choose from, deciding which lightweight stroller is best for and your baby can end up feeling like a heavyweight job. But don't trip. We've done all the legwork by rounding up 10 of the best lightweight strollers of 2019, for all your traveling needs.
Drumroll, please…
The 9 Best Lightweight Strollers
| Function: |  (5 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5 / 5) |
| Style: | (5 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (5 / 5) |
| Price: | (5 / 5) |
| Average: | (5 / 5) |
This best seller is hugely popular and with so many features, it isn't hard to see why. At only 13 pounds, it's one of the lightest and most compact options around and with a seat that reclines to almost flat, shock-resistant front wheels, 5 point safety harness and a pop-out sun visor, it's got most of your baby's needs covered, too!
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Price: |  (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.8 / 5) |
If you're traveling to sunnier parts of the word, this lightweight stroller will ensure your baby is well-shaded and able to nap whenever, wherever with a seat that reclines a lot so they can snooze comfortably.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.6 / 5) |
This stroller’s claim to fame is being certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's “smallest folded stroller”! So while a bit pricey, if you've been bitten by the wanderlust bug, it's a worthwhile investment because it’s just so damn portable.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: |  (3.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.4 / 5) |
Finally, the convenience of a lightweight stroller combined with the comforts of a full-sized stroller (have you seen the undercarriage storage? It’s huge!) And at this price, it's hard not to love it! Because this stroller does it all. But with a couple drawbacks, it didn’t quite make it in the top three.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (4.2 / 5) |
Featuring everything you'd expect from a lightweight stroller, the Chicco Capri comes with a carry bag and strap, making it easy to pack up and move. Overall, it’s easy to use, super portable, and relatively inexpensive. It’s only shortcomings are style and function.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (4 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5 / 5) |
| Style: | (3 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (4 / 5) |
| Price: | (4 / 5) |
| Average: | (4 / 5) |
This affordable option offers everything you'd look for in a lightweight stroller, with a couple of small perks thrown in, as well. And while it doesn’t excel at much, it still gets the job done at a reasonable price.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Style: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (3.6 / 5) |
Okay, I know that this isn't really a lightweight stroller (it’s a heavyweight at 18.9 pounds). But we’re still putting it on the list because it kept coming up in all our searches. Anyway, this option is pretty heavy so we wouldn’t recommend this option because as a travel stroller (but it is full featured).
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Style: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (4.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (3.4 / 5) |
At 17.7 pounds, this stroller isn't exactly feather light either…But again, it kept coming up in our searches for travel strollers. Maybe it's because of it’s versatility? Since you can add any compatible car seat and it instantly becomes a travel system stroller. All that aside, this one screams mom-style and we wouldn’t buy it based on that alone.
Pros
Cons
| Function: |  (1.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: |  (2.5 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (3.3 / 5) |
One of the least expensive options of the bunch and kinda cute too. This stroller is only a great option for occasional use or to leave in the trunk for short stops when road tripin’. It has very few features and is a bare-bones stroller that you won’t mind stashing away except for emergencies.
Pros
Cons
| Function: | (1.0 / 5) |
| Portability: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Style: |  (2.0 / 5) |
| Ease of Use: | (3.0 / 5) |
| Price: | (5.0 / 5) |
| Average: |  (3.2 / 5) |
A highly affordable option (ahem, cheap), this is a basic lightweight stroller. It’s very minimalistic and only really gets one job done—rolls your baby around in it. So don't expect any extras.
Pros
Cons
OK. So those are the top travel strollers for 2019. Whether you choose a lightweight stroller based on style, function, portability, or price, taking the time to find one that suits your needs can mean the difference between a vacation from hell or a breezy walk in the park.
Go ahead and forget about everyone's unsolicited advice and pick the stroller that works for your lifestyle.
