Best Lightweight Single Stroller
This is the lightest and smallest stroller for travel available. Its sleek design is simple to fold into a neat rectangle and the wheels spin more smoothly than other designs.
It also comes with a huge under-seat storage area and a shoulder carry strap that makes it easier to carry around when you’re not pushing it. The canopy adjustment can be noisy and could wake a toddler who is sleeping.
1. Contours Itsy
A compact stroller that is also a compact stroller, the Contours Itsy offers lots of features for its size. Its back under-seat basket is spring loaded, meaning that you can push it down to stuff a diaper bag or backpack in, and it will open up to protect the contents. It also has a child’s accessory holder and an adjustable reclined seat pad. This is more than you would find on a typical lightweight stroller.
It also has a canopy that can be shut and opened to get the level of sun protection you need. The handlebars are height-adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit in four different positions. We weren’t too impressed by its performance on rough surfaces. We felt that the suspension and wheels did not perform a great job of absorbing bumps and shocks.
It’s a perfect stroller for traveling since it arrives in a box fully assembled and requires only few steps to get it set to use. The seat can be moved forward and backwards to alter the recline, which is pretty much flat. It’s easy to fold and unfold thanks to two buttons on the frame. It can be tucked away in the most convenient carrying bag when not in use. It’s actually one of the most compact strollers we tested and it easily can meet the requirements of many airlines for gate-checking or storage in the cabin on planes. Be sure to check with your airline before you fly, because rules can differ. As a former writer for commerce and current mom of three children, Phoebe Sklansky has a passion for all things related to shopping and parenting, as well as home. She’s a contributor for Verywell Family and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Kolcraft Cloud Plus
This stroller is an excellent option for those looking for a stroller that is lightweight for travel. It comes with all the features parents desire in a stroller. This includes all-terrain wheels and front suspension for an easy ride. It is also extremely lightweight and weighs less than 12 pounds. It folds in one hand and stand up on its own. It has two cup holders on each tray for the parent and child.
The quality, however it is at the lower end and it didn’t perform well in our tests of maneuverability. It is a slender frame which makes pushing it on rough surfaces feel like lifting weights. It might be okay if you use the stroller only on sidewalks that are paved. However, for the majority of people it is not comfortable.
Cloud Plus Cloud Plus has a three-tier extended canopy as well as a peek-a-boo window for additional sun protection. Its multi-positional seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds and uses a five-point safety restraint. This is a great option for older toddlers who have outgrown their car seats for infants.
It’s compact and folds up in a single step. It is able to be collapsed by pressing a button. It also has an easy, foot-activated break that is simple to create and then release.
The handle is lower than many strollers we’ve tested and some parents may be uncomfortable using it for long periods. It does have a handle lock to keep it in place while open, though. This is a good feature to have if are going to be using the stroller over uneven or gravelly terrain.
3. Munchkin Sparrow
The Munchkin Sparrow stroller is the ideal stroller for parents who are always in motion. The compact stroller is easy to fold down and up and easily fits in overhead compartments on planes, as well as in trunks at the amusement park (no more worrying about parking fees). It comes with a carry bag that zips up for convenient storage. It can be used from birth with the infant car seat adapter and provides plenty of coverage in the sun with its canopy (though not as much as the Nuna TRVL or Uppababy Minu V2). The only issue for parents who have children is that they consider the design uninspiring and utilitarian.
The BabyZen Yoyo+ is a bit more expensive than the other lightweight top rated single strollers strollers however, it was created specifically for luxury travel and urban living. It’s among the easiest strollers that fold (and comes with a handy carry case), and it comes with plenty of storage, including a cup holder. The seat is comfortable for both the child and the adult and reclines to a near-flat position. This is the only stroller in our list that comes with an adapter for car seats that can allow it to be used with infants. Some parents with short legs may not like the handlebar, which does not adjust.
The UPPAbaby Minu V2 may not be the most lightweight stroller, but it comes with a number of amazing features that assist parents in traveling with their children. Its spacious seat reclines to a pretty flat position, and it comes with extra padding so that those naps on the plane last longer. The extendable canopy has plenty of sun-shade, and the parent tray provides plenty of storage. It also features a spring-loaded footrest that doubles as a handle when folded. This footrest is vulnerable to being damaged by baggage handlers.
4. Uppababy Mini V2
Uppababy Minu V2 is an elegant stroller with high-end design and quality. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate narrow sidewalks and tight spaces, however its robust construction ensures it can handle rough terrain without compromising your child’s safety. The spring-action suspension on the front and rear ensures an even more comfortable ride and its sturdy materials ensure that it will withstand everyday wear and tear. It can also be extended to accommodate other accessories like a bassinet and infant car seat.
In our tests, the Minu was a breeze to fold and maneuver even with a baby in its hand. Its squat almost square fold which unfolds into thirds, is among the most simple folds we’ve seen and allows it to fit into overhead compartments on planes or public transportation. It also comes with a single fold pushchair-action brake with color coded that’s simple to use.
The seat reclines in various positions, and the leg rest can be adjusted using one hand, making it simple to find your child’s perfect position. The UPF 50+ hood went down quite a ways, which was great for protecting Cora’s eyes from the sun (though not as low as other strollers). The medium-sized mesh window is magnetically attached to the canopy and shuts without using noisy Velcro.
At just under 15 pounds At just under 15 pounds, the Minu is easy to carry with a built-in carry handle and a shoulder strap. It can be stored in the trunk of your car, and comes with a storage case and Uppababy TravelSafe which extends the manufacturer’s warranty by two years and covers replacements if items are damaged during travel.
5. Joovy Aire
Joovy is an established brand that makes various strollers. This lightweight model is a good choice for parents who want a workhorse stroller that carts kids around, offers ample storage, is easy to move around and doesn’t require a high engineering degree to fold. This model isn’t suited for those looking for an additional stroller or car-seat compatible model. It does not accept infant car seats. Your children must be able sit up on their backs before they can use it.
This stroller is loaded with features and is offered at a reasonable price. It scored a higher rating in our maneuverability review than other models with similar specs, and is an excellent choice for smooth paved surfaces. It comes with a large parent tray, a canopy and plenty of storage. The handlebar is shorter than average and the front wheel suspension is stiffer, but it is still suitable for adults.
If you have twins or two kids of different ages, you may discover that a stroller with a side-byside feature is the best option to move them around. Our favorite is the Joovy Twin Groove. It has a lot of features and has a tiny footprint, so it can fit in places where other side-byside strollers won’t.
It comes with reclining seats, a large canopy with an opening window that can be seen from afar and lots of storage. It’s heavier than the other side-bysides but has a decent capacity and weight limit. It can carry the majority of kids up to 50 pounds. You can even add a bassinet to front of the stroller to accommodate infants.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious version of this stroller the Caboose RS Sit and Stand Stroller is an excellent alternative. It comes with the same great features as this model and comes with a bassinet to allow you to take your baby home from the hospital in style.
