We might not quite be in holiday travel season yet, but it’s never too early to prep for the madness that is taking young kids to visit family or go on vacation. Babies and toddlers are lovely, but they come with so.much.stuff. And whether you’re packing the car for a road trip or planning to maneuver everyone through packed holiday airports, you’re going to need some lightweight travel gear.
Here, we round up the 5 best-selling lightweight strollers — and bonus! Four of them are under $100. There’s no official weight limit that marks a stroller as lightweight versus … not lightweight. But generally, we recommend looking for something under 15 pounds; less than 10 pounds and you’re going to be one-arming it into the overhead bin. For comparison, a “regular” single stroller, like the UppaBaby Cruz, weighs in at 21.5 pounds.
Also, as a heads up: most lightweight strollers have weight minimums, meaning they may not be appropriate for newborns. This is because most strollers in this category don’t recline fully and can’t offer the amount of head and neck support a newborn needs. These strollers also have a weight maximum that’s worth checking if you’ve got an older toddler at home.
OK, and with that, here are the top 5 best-selling lightweight strollers on Amazon.
#5 gb Pockit+ Lightweight Baby Stroller ($169.99 on Amazon)
Yes, this price tag puts this stroller way over most of the models on this list. But, hear us out: if you’re a frequent traveler who prizes convenience and portability over all else, the gb Pockit+ is worth considering. What really makes this stroller stand out is its seriously compact fold. The Pockit+ folds down into a size that makes it possible to store it in a large handbag or in the overhead compartment on most trains and planes, meaning you don’t have to gate check (or check check) your stroller, risking damage and delays. And at just over 9 pounds, this stroller is light enough to maneuver and push with one hand.
If this stroller is in the budget, we’d recommend it for frequent fliers who need something that can go where you go. It’s a solid stroller for handling city streets and the wheel lock means it can manage uneven terrain.
Stroller weight: 9.5 lbs
#4: Cosco Umbrella Stroller ($22 on Amazon)
This ranks up there as one of the lightest in the lightweight category, coming in just over 7 pounds, according to the Q&A on Amazon. That makes this stroller perfect for getting through the airport or for shoving in the back of the car in case your adventures take you somewhere unexpected. The small size of the wheels mean it’s not going to be as durable for longer adventures or do well on uneven surfaces (think cobblestones or dirt paths).
At $22 though, we’d say this is a solid choice for those who really only need this for short trips or occasional use. Plus, let’s be honest: the adorable monster pattern is going to win over even the most discerning toddler.
Stroller Weight: 7.2 lbs
Weight maximum: 40 lbs
#3 Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Compact Stroller ($67.99 on Amazon)
The Kolcraft comes in at a significantly higher price point than the Cosco, but when you see its list of features, you’ll understand why. The Kolcraft weighs a bit more at 11.8 lbs, but it packs a lot in for a stroller at that weight. If you need a lightweight stroller for regular use, this is definitely worth putting on your list. For $68 you get a stroller with an extended canopy for sun protection, a 5-point safety harness to secure your little one in the seat, a multi-position reclining seat, a snack tray, a basket (key for days at the park or a quick trip to the grocery store) and a parent tray with two drink holders for all of those coffee runs. As if is this wasn’t enough, it also has a convenient one-hand fold because we know your other hand is likely busy wrangling your toddler.
Stroller weight: 11.8 lbs
Weight Maximum: 50 lbs
#2 Baby Trend Rocket Lightweight Stroller ($44.99 on Amazon)
If you’re after “parent organization” aka cup holders for your coffee in a mid-range price point, the Baby Trend Rocket might be your new BFF. It has some of the features of the pricier models on this list, including a 5-point safety harness, bottom storage compartment and a reclining seat. But, because the seat has only one recline option, it’s not intended for newborns; in fact, the manufacturer states that babies should be able to sit up unassisted before using this stroller. It also has a dual foot parking break, which makes it somewhat clunkier to use than others featured here, and it’s the heaviest on this list, coming in at 13.23 pounds.
We’d recommend this stroller for families with older babies/toddlers who need a solid lightweight stroller that can do more than just get you through an airport, but don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models.
Stroller weight: 13.23 lbs
Maximum weight: 50 lbs
#1 Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller ($79.99 on Amazon)
Technically, the number one bestseller is this stroller but in black, but we say save the $10 (black shows way more dirt anyway) and get the grey version. The Summer 3D is one of the heaviest on this list, weighing in at 13 pounds. It’s very similar in terms of features to the Kolcraft, the major differences being that the Summer 3D has an almost-flat recline (think naps or diaper changes-on-the go) and a carry strap. The strap may sound like a small thing until you’re trying to corral your runaway toddler with one hand while pushing a stroller with the other.
This stroller, like the Kolcraft, will get you a bit more mileage, as it can accommodate a child up to 50 pounds. Again, we’d recommend this for families who need a regular lightweight stroller; and for city families who regularly use public transportation, since the carry strap makes it easy to get this up and down subway or bus steps.
Stroller weight: 13 lbs
Maximum weight: 50 lbs