Best Lightweight Single Stroller
It is the lightest and most compact stroller for travel available. Its sleek design makes it easy to fold into a neat rectangle shape and the wheels rotate more easily than some other designs.
It also has an under-seat storage area and an arm-strap that makes it easy to carry around if you’re not pushing it. The canopy adjustment can be noisy, which could disturb children who are asleep.
1. Contours Itsy
The Contours Itsy is a compact stroller with a lot of features for its size. The basket in the back of the seat is spring loaded, meaning that you can lower it to put bags or diapers into and it will then pop up to keep the contents. It has a child accessory holder as well as an adjustable reclined seat pad. This is more than what you get on a standard lightweight stroller.
It also has a canopy that can be closed and opened to get the level of sun protection you desire. The handlebars are height-adjustable for a comfortable fit in four different positions. We weren’t too impressed by the ride quality over rough terrain. We found that the suspension and wheels did not perform a great job of absorbing bumps and shocks.
The stroller is ideal for travel because it is fully assembled in the box. It only takes just a few steps to be ready to use. The seat can be pushed forward and back to adjust the recline. It’s a bit flat. It’s easy to fold and unfold, because of two buttons on the frame. It can be tucked away in a very convenient carrying bag when not in use. It’s actually one of the smallest strollers we tested, and it easily can meet the requirements of many airlines for gate-checking or cabin storage on airplanes. Make sure to check with your airline to determine what restrictions are in place before you travel. Phoebe Sklansky, a former commerce journalist and mom of three children has a love of everything related to parenting, home and shopping. She is a contributor to Verywell Family and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Kolcraft Cloud Plus
This is a great option for those looking for a stroller that is lightweight. It comes with all the features parents would want in a stroller. This includes all-terrain wheels and front suspension for a smooth ride. It’s also incredibly light at less than 12 pounds. It can be folded by one hand, and then stand up on its own. It has two cup holders on each tray for the parent and child.
Its build quality isn’t very good, and it didn’t do well in our maneuverability test. It has a flexible frame which makes pushing it on rough surfaces feel like lifting weights. This might be fine if you only use the stroller on smooth streets, but for the majority people, it’s going to not be a pleasant experience.
The Cloud Plus features a three-tiered extended canopy that has a peek-aboo window to provide additional sun protection. Its multi-positional seat can accommodate children up to 50 pounds and uses a five-point safety restraint. This is an excellent feature for older toddlers who have outgrown infant car seats.
It’s compact and folds in one step. It is able to be collapsed by pressing the button. It also has a convenient foot-activated brake that is simple and easy to set and release.
However the handle is a bit lower than many of the other strollers we’ve tested, and some parents may be uncomfortable for long periods of time. It does come with an adjustable handle lock that keeps it in place while open, though. This is a fantastic feature if you plan to use the stroller on uneven or gravelly terrain.
3. Munchkin Sparrow
The Munchkin Sparrow is the ultimate travel stroller for parents on the move. The compact stroller is a breeze to fold up and down, and fits easily in overhead compartments on planes and in trunks at amusement parks (no more worrying about parking charges). It comes with a carrying bag which zips up for easy storage. It can be used with the infant car adapter right from birth and provides good sun protection with its canopy. The only downside for certain parents is that they find the look cheap and utilitarian.
The BabyZen Yoyo+ is a little more expensive than other lightweight single convertible stroller strollers however, it was created specifically for luxury travel and urban living. It’s one of the most easy strollers to fold, and comes with a handy carry case. It’s got plenty of storage space, including a cupholder. The seat is comfortable for the child and the adult and reclines to a nearly flat position. This is the only stroller on our list that can be used by a newborn with the car seat adapter. Some short parents may not like the handlebar, as it doesn’t adjust.
The UPPAbaby Minu V2 may not be the most lightweight stroller, but it comes with a number of great features to make traveling with children easier. Its spacious seat reclines to a pretty flat position, and comes with extra padding so that those naps on the plane last longer. The canopy extends to provide excellent sun protection, while the parent tray has plenty of storage. It also comes with a spring-loaded handle that doubles as the footrest when folded. This footrest, however seems vulnerable to damage from baggage handlers.
4. Uppababy Mini V2
The Uppababy Minu V2 is a top stroller that doesn’t skimp on quality and design. Its compact design makes it easy to navigate tight spaces and narrow sidewalks however its sturdy structure allows it to withstand rough terrain without compromising comfort of your child. Front and rear spring-action suspensions create an incredibly comfortable ride for both of you, and its robust materials ensure that it can withstand every day wear and tear without losing its shape. Plus, it can be expanded to accommodate other accessories such as a bassinet or infant car seat.
In our testing in our tests, the Minu was easy to fold and move around even with a baby in the hand. Its squat nearly square fold which unfolds into thirds, is among the easiest in our tests and allows it to fit in overhead compartments on planes or public transportation. It has a single jogging stroller-action color-coded brake that is easy to use.
The seat reclines in various positions and the leg rest can be adjusted with one hand, making it easy to determine your child’s ideal position. The UPF 50+ canopy is lowered quite a bit to protect Cora’s face from the sun. There’s also a medium-sized mesh peek-aboo window that closes magnetically and adheres to the canopy instead of using noisy Velcro.
The Minu weighs less than 15 pounds, and comes with an integrated handle that makes it easy for transport. It also comes with a shoulder strap. It can also be put in the trunk of your vehicle, and it comes with a storage bag as well as access to the TravelSafe program offered by Uppababy which provides two years of manufacturer’s warranty. It also covers repairs for items damaged during air travel.
5. Joovy Aire
Joovy, a well-known stroller brand, produces several models. This lightweight model is a great choice for parents who are looking for a workhorse stroller that carts children around, provides ample storage space, is relatively easy to move around and doesn’t require a high engineering degree to fold. It’s not ideal for those who want a car seat-compatible model or a double stroller, however. It’s not compatible with infant car seats, and your infants will need to be able to sit on their own before they can use the stroller from the first day.
This stroller is packed with features and comes at a very affordable price. It scored higher in our maneuverability test than other models with similar specifications. It’s an excellent choice for smooth surfaces. It also has a nice canopy and plenty of storage including a large parent tray. The handlebar is shorter than the average, and the front wheel suspension is a bit stiffer however it’s comfortable for adults.
If you have twins, or two kids of different ages you may discover a side by side stroller to be the best single buggy choice to take them around. Our favorite is the Joovy Twin Groove, which has a variety of features and a narrow footprint that can be used where most other side-by-side options can’t.
It has a big canopy, with a peek-aboo window, and tons of storage. It’s heavier than the other side-bysides but has a decent weight limit and can handle the majority of children up to 50 pounds. You can also add an infant bassinet to the front of the stroller to accommodate newborns.
The Caboose RS Sit and Stand Stroller offers a luxurious version of the stroller. It offers the same great features as this model and comes with a bassinet to allow you to bring your child home from the hospital in style.