Best lightweight stroller: Travel without stress with these super light pushchairs
Your child’s stroller needn't weigh you down – the best lightweight strollers will save you effort and precious plane weight
Taking a stroller along when travelling can feel like a complicated thing. Whether you’re boarding a flight, riding a train, or even just walking through the city, the best lightweight stroller can take weight off your arms and your mind. No one wants to drag a clunky pushchair onto the bus, or wrestle it into the car boot and it’s not an item you can just leave behind either.
Modern lightweight models have slim folds and low weights, making them easy to store. Some strollers are compact enough that they can be carried onto planes as hand luggage and even fit in the overhead luggage compartment.
There are lots of options available for lightweight strollers, no matter your budget, and our roundup below has plenty to choose from with features that make them stand out from the rest.
Best lightweight stroller: At a glance
- Best overall lightweight stroller: Mountain Buggy nano 3 | £219
- Most lightweight stroller: gb Gold Pockit+ All Terrain | £190
- Best lightweight stroller for planes: Inglesina Quid2 | £289
- Best compact lightweight stroller: Didofy Aster 2 | £279
- Best splurge lightweight stroller: Babyzen YOYO² | £625
How to choose the best lightweight stroller for you
What things should I consider?
Finding the right lightweight stroller for your family depends on just that – your family. You need to consider things such as:
Your child’s age: You will want a stroller that fits your child comfortably, so you have to take their age and size into consideration. Most lightweight strollers are designed to carry children from birth to toddler age, but it’s not always the case. The age and size limits are stated on every stroller model, so be sure to choose one appropriate for your child.
The terrain you will be driving over: Whether you stick to city streets or like to get off the beaten path, you will want to make sure that the stroller can handle the ground beneath its wheels. Some strollers have “all-terrain” wheels, to accommodate all types of roads if you don’t like to be limited.
Methods of travel: Planes, trains and automobiles – which will you be taking? There are much stricter size restrictions to store your stroller in the overhead locker on a plane than there are to put it in the boot of your car. If you want to take it on the plane with you, you will need the most compact stroller available.
Features you can’t go without: Maybe you need a place for your morning coffee on the school run, or a rain cover to combat UK weather. Perhaps more storage space is at the top of your list of priorities. Whatever you’re after, take note of what is included with your stroller to make sure it suits your personal needs.
What is a lightweight stroller?
To be considered lightweight, a stroller should weigh no more than 11kg, and much ideally less, for easy portability. They’re typically sleek and slim so they can be easily folded into a compact size. They’re small enough to zip around anywhere you need to go without sacrificing structure or sturdiness.
What features should I look for in a good lightweight stroller?
Safety features: It’s incredibly important to make sure the stroller you choose adheres to safety standards. This includes a three- or five-point harness and effective brakes that are easy to use. A sun canopy or hood is also important for sun protection. Safety also includes knowing when you’ve reached the weight limit of the stroller.
Comfort features: It’s important to make sure that even with all the safety features in place, your child is comfortable. Cushioned straps and back pads, adjustable footrests, ventilation, and wheel suspension can all make for a smoother and more enjoyable experience for your child.
Wheels: There’s a surprising amount to consider when it comes to stroller wheels. As mentioned, you will want to make sure they can tackle the terrain you will be driving it over. Consider whether fixed or swivel wheels work better for you, as well as whether or not you need wheel suspension.
Easy folding: This is one of the key features of a lightweight stroller, so consider how much effort you want to have to put into folding your stroller. We provide two-step, one-push and even auto-fold options in our list.
Backrest recline: If you’re shopping for a newborn, your stroller will need to fully recline. And if you want the stroller to adapt as your child grows, an adjustable backrest is necessary.
How we test lightweight strollers
At Expert Reviews, we know that hands-on testing delivers the most complete information about a product. As such, we test all the lightweight strollers we review by using the models in various environments, putting their features and the supplied accessories through their paces. Where lightweight strollers are recommended for a particular type of travel vehicle or use, we test the stroller in that scenario to ensure we make an accurate recommendation.
We closely assess the safety features of each stroller and consider the overall ease of use, portability and whether models are easy to fold down and store between uses. We also note how well the wheels stand up to rigorous use. Finally, we confirm the measurements and weight capacity of the product.
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The best lightweight strollers to buy in 2023
1. Mountain Buggy nano 3: Best lightweight stroller for most people
Price when reviewed: £219 | Check price at Mountain Buggy
Built for both travel and comfort, the award-winning Mountain Buggy nano 3 is a perfect fit for parents on the go. The nano 3 is made with aircraft-grade aluminium, making it durable, yet it only weighs 6kg. It has a two-step folding system that can be performed with one hand, and includes a travel satchel for convenient storage. Designed to last from birth to toddler years, this model has a soft, lie-flat seat with ventilation for breathability and an adjustable footrest for optimal comfort.
For parents who like to travel, it gives the option of a carrying handle or shoulder strap when not in use. Front wheels can be set to lock back for rough terrain or 360° swivel for better control. It also has rear wheel suspension and a foot-controlled brake. The five-point harness is tail-free, meaning there are no stray straps for children to fiddle with. The nano 3 comes in five colour and pattern options.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 4 years; Weight: 6kg; Folded Dimensions: 51 x 30 x 54cm
2. gb Gold Pockit+ All Terrain: The lightest stroller
Price when reviewed: £190 | Check price at Amazon
As the lightest of all the lightweight strollers, the Pockit+ All Terrain, from gb Gold, can easily fit in the luggage compartments of trains and planes as it folds down to an impossibly small size. The brand’s earlier lightweight model, the Pockit Air, has been discontinued and replaced with this version that sports a much bigger canopy, a reclining seat, and much more storage space, all at the same ultra-low weight of just 5.6kg. This is thanks to its featherweight carbon fibre construction and small features, i.e. the handles and wheels.
While you can’t go running or jogging with this stroller (hey, we can’t have it all), it’s a great option for local errands and hopping on public transport. It can tuck the wheels in and fold right down into a petite package just 20cm wide. You can effortlessly lift it in and out of the boot with just one hand. In addition, it has a five-point safety harness, a raincover and double, all-terrain wheels – the front ones can swivel or lock too. It also comes in three colourways.
Key specs – Ages: 6 months to 17kg; Weight: 5.6kg; Folded Dimensions: 34 x 20 x 42cm
3. Babyzen YOYO²: Best premium lightweight stroller bundle
Price when reviewed: £625 | Check price at John Lewis
Though it’s slightly on the pricier side, Babyzen offers this YOYO² bundle with everything a parent needs to transport their tot from birth until four years old. This package deal includes the YOYO² chassis, the newborn pack, and the six months+ pack. For the first six months, the parent-facing newborn pack allows babies to lie flat, with a headrest for their comfort and, once the child is past six months, parents can switch out the packs to create a forward-facing stroller.
The YOYO² can be folded, unfolded, and steered with one hand. The frame weighs only 6.1kg and, when folded, meets the carry-on baggage size for most airlines. A padded shoulder strap makes for easy carrying and the safety-wrist strap offers extra protection. The storage basket, which can be easily accessed from the front or back, can carry up to 5kg. The stroller boasts hytrel elastomer suspension and a five-point harness for child safety. It also comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 22kg; Weight: 6.1kg; Folded Dimensions: 52 x 44 x 18cm
4. Inglesina Quid 2: Best lightweight stroller for plane travel
Price when reviewed: £289 | Check price at Kiddies Kingdom
The Inglesina Quid 2 is a compact stroller that is easy to bring along on travels all around the world. It’s available in multiple colours, weighs in at only 5.9kg, and folds to easily fit the carry-on requirements for most airlines, as well as just about any car boot. It can be folded or unfolded with one hand, and stands upright when folded. The basket has a reflective strip, making it safe to use, even at night.
The reclining backrest can go from sitting upright to a 170 degrees recline and an adjustable footrest provides maximum comfort for the child without leaving their little legs dangling. The chair itself has soft features, such as cushioned straps to prevent irritation, while front suspension gives children a smoother ride, even on bumpy pavements. It also has a fully-retractable hood with UPF 50+ protection and anti-UV fabric. The hood also includes a mesh insert, providing ventilation and increased breathability.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 22kg; Weight: 5.9kg; Folded Dimensions: 46.5 x 58 x 19cm
5. Joie Aire Double Pushchair: Best lightweight double stroller
Price when reviewed: £175 | Check price at John Lewis
Travelling with two children is never easy, but the Joie Aire double pushchair makes it surprisingly light work. The stroller weighs less than 12kg, which is uncommonly light for a double stroller. While there’s no partition to separate children, the seats are able to independently recline into multiple positions for each child’s optimal comfort. Each seat also has reversible cushioned seat liners, a cushioned five-point harness and adjustable leg rests.
For the parent’s ease of use, this stroller is still foldable with one hand so, while this type of stroller is hardly compatible with single doors, it’s easy enough to collapse for transport on trains or buses. It has dual-wheel suspension and lockable front wheels with linked brakes. There is a spacious shopping basket included for storage and a raincover to keep children dry and comfortable. The Joie Aire double pushchair makes travelling with two children easier, while keeping each child individually happy.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 3 years, or 15kg; Weight: 11.8kg; Folded Dimensions: 98.5 x 78 x 30.5cm
6. Lejoux Foldable Stroller: Best budget lightweight stroller
Price when reviewed: £150 | Check price at Amazon
The Lejoux foldable stroller shows us that affordability doesn’t always require sacrificing features. It uses aircraft-grade aluminium to provide sturdiness while keeping the overall weight low, at only 8kg. There’s also a fully adjustable seat with three positions, and a cooling memory foam pad to keep children comfortable on sunnier days. The footrest is also adjustable and there’s a five-point harness for optimal safety. Meanwhile, the hood is retractable and includes a mesh window for airflow and easy viewing.
This stroller quickly folds with the push of a single button and includes a telescoping handle that allows it to roll along like luggage. The wheels have dual suspension and lock with a single lever and there is even a large storage basket below the seat. It’s available in four colours, for the style conscious, and comes with a number of extra items including a rain cover, a mosquito net, a bottle holder and a stroller cover.
Key specs – Ages: Infant to 15kg; Weight: 8.5kg; Folded Dimensions: 66 x 36 x 26cm
7. Didofy Aster 2 Ultra-Compact Pushchair: Best compact lightweight stroller
Price when reviewed: £279 | Check price at Baby Planet
A compact stroller makes travelling so much easier and this model really is small. Available in three neutral colours, the Didofy Aster 2 ultra-compact pushchair weighs just 6.2kg and can be carried as hand luggage on the majority of airlines. It comes with a “MagicFold” button for simple one-push folding and unfolding. The leatherette handle stands at a height of 105cm and offers easy, one-handed steering, while the brake is flip-flop friendly to prevent injured toes.
The stroller’s hood is waterproof and offers UPF 50 protection, and also includes a peek-a-boo window, as well as ventilation built into the seat. The backrest reclines into multiple positions, as does the footrest. Its five-point harness is cushioned for extra comfort and the stroller comes with a rain cover, footmuff and a cup holder for the parent’s convenience. The wheels are puncture-proof and it has built-in suspension for a tranquil ride.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 22kg; Weight: 6.2kg; Folded Dimensions: 55 x 47 x 25cm
8. Chicco Goody: Best easy-fold lightweight stroller
Price when reviewed: £189 | Check price at Kiddies Kingdom
When hands are already full with children, a stroller that’s easy to fold is a must. The Chicco Goody stroller is top of the easy-fold game, since it folds automatically at the push of a button located on the centre of the handle. When the button is pushed, the hood and seat fold forward and the base folds in half, all without any effort on the parent’s part. And it folds into a standing position, making it easy to just grab the handle and go.
The backrest can recline into three different positions, and the leg rest is also adjustable. It comes with a rain cover to protect from the British weather and the sun canopy has a removable insert to ensure the child gets proper sun protection at every size. Better still, there are padded straps and a five-point harness for comfort and safety.
Key specs – Ages: Newborn to 22.5kg; Weight: 6.9kg; Folded Dimensions: 46.5 x 56 x 25cm
