Whether you’re globe-trotting with your baby, want something light for the nursery drop off, or simply need to downsize from your current pushchair, lightweight strollers are a game-changer for most modern lifestyles. Their slim design, magical folds and nimble wheels make them ideal for navigating public transport and storing in smaller spaces, even in overhead lockers on planes.
Many parents may start with a much larger travel system, as these allow for blissful snoozes in the plush carrycot. However, many lightweight strollers can now accommodate newborns, as they can allow a fully lie-flat position. During those first few months, babies need to lie flat to breathe easily and support healthy spine and hip development. On top of that, some strollers allow you to attach a car seat.
As your baby evolves, so will your transport needs. For most urban outings, a well-designed compact stroller with a comfy seat, easy-to-action fold, good recline, and suspension ticks all the boxes. Just be mindful – unlike full-size travel systems, some accessories are often sold separately, which can increase costs. But if you're mainly city- or town-based, one compact buggy could be the only set of wheels you need.
If you’re planning on taking your stroller as carry-on luggage, I recommend checking with your airline directly to see whether it can be taken on board as cabin luggage, as policies and dimensions vary between carriers.
As a parent, I know how tricky it can be to narrow down all the options and find the best baby essentials for your child. Costs can quickly add up, and buggies can be one of the more expensive products on the list. With that in mind, I’ve been trialling a range of options, looking for quality, value for money and practicality, so that you can feel confident in the stroller you choose. For the compact buggies that lightened the load when travelling with my little passenger, keep reading.
How I tested
I put these strollers to the test with a little help from my 18-month-old. Over a two-month period, I tested the strollers in towns, cities and on country paths, and I assessed these strollers by the following criteria:
- Assembly: I folded and unfolded each stroller, making a note of how long this took and how easy it was. For instance, how many steps were there, and could I do it one-handed?
- Features: I carefully assessed the design features of each stroller
- Weight: I noted how heavy they were on paper (this ranged from 5.81kg to 7.6kg), but also how lightweight they felt whilst being pushed or carried around when folded.
- Ease of use: Pushing the strollers on different types of terrain, I paid attention to how easy they were to manoeuvre, and how smooth a ride they gave my little passenger.
- Looks: While this is, to an extent, subjective, I acknowledged the overall design of the stroller, taking into account the number of colourways and patterns available.
- Durability: I noticed how robust and well-made the strollers seemed, noting the size and sturdiness of the wheels, and the hardiness of the fabrics.
- Comfort: I factored in the plushness of the seat and the overall comfort of my passenger.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Rebecca Moore has been writing reviews for IndyBest since 2020. As a parent herself, she’s committed to bringing our readers honest, unbiased and thorough reviews of parenting essentials. She will only recommend products that pass her tests; products that will actually benefit parents and their children. Below, Rebecca has shared a full and considered critique of each stroller, but you can find an even more in-depth look in her reviews of the Joolz aer2 and the Bugaboo fox 5.
The best lightweight strollers for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Joolz aer2: £439, Joolz.com
- Best budget option – Graco myavo: £130, Gracobaby.eu
- Best luxury option – Cybex coya: £519.95, Cybex-online.com
- Best airline-friendly budget option – Maxi-Cosi lara2: £189.99, Maxi-cosi.co.uk
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Joolz Aer2 pram review: A sleek, compact pushchair, but how does it perform?
Joolz aer2
Best: Lightweight stroller overall
Folded dimensions: 44.5cm x 53cm x 23.5cm
Weight: 6.5kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 4 years (up to 22 kg)
Handlebar height: 106.5cm
Car seat compatible: Yes
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Sandy taupe, forest green, space black, stone grey, dark navy blue, sage green
Why we love it
- Super quick and compact fold
- Adjustable leg rest
- Large sun hood
- Larger storage basket
Take note
- No bumper bar included
- Chassis scratches easily
- Zip to lie flat
The much-loved aer+ just had a makeover in time for summer travel. This refined, lightweight stroller is very practical, with a one-hand fold, a fabulously roomy shopping basket, and the newly added adjustable leg rest.
It feels robust despite its size, thanks in part to larger front wheels for improved stability and a smoother ride, and the higher-positioned footbrake that doesn’t catch when walking. But its standout feature is the one-handed fold, ideal for travel or tight storage, and it is the best I’ve experienced.
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The generously padded seat offers a relaxing ride, and the improved one-pull strap harness is easy to use once you get the hang of it. The UPF50 sun hood and mesh ventilation panel make this stroller ideal for sunny holidays, though a bumper bar costs extra (£44.95, Joolz.com).
I also love how it looks. Stylishly finished with a faux leather handlebar, chrome chassis, and durable recycled fabrics, it’s both eye-catching and sustainable – it’s backed by a 10-year transferable warranty, which is good if it finds a new home if you no longer need it, and a tree is planted for every stroller sold. For taller parents, the slightly higher, curved handlebar is a welcome improvement, too.
Read my full Joolz aer2 review
Buy now £439.00, Joolz.com
Graco myavo
Best: Budget lightweight stroller
Folded dimensions: 65.3cm x 52cm x 32.5cm
Weight: 5.81kg
Age suitability: From birth to approximately 4 years (up to 22kg)
Handlebar height: 101.6cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, but only from Graco
Fits on a plane: No
Colours available: Light grey, mauve
Why we love it
- Incredibly lightweight
- Purse-friendly
Take note
- Limited colours
- Not airline-friendly
- Fiddly straps
- Doesn’t self stand
Given how easy the fold is, and how blissfully lightweight the myavo is – the lightest I tested – I didn’t expect it to be the cheapest on the list. While it doesn’t have luxury touches such as viewing peepholes in the sun hood or plush fabrics, when it comes to getting a baby or toddler from A to B, it’s all you need. In fact, out of all the purse-friendly options I tried, this was the hardiest, with chunky wheels. It’s not perfect, and rattles a little over big bumps, but it’s perfect for pavements and paved paths.
While you can’t use this as carry-on luggage due to the dimensions, you can attach a car seat, and it lies super flat. The seat is spacious, and there’s an adjustable leg rest, but the padding is minimal. However, this didn’t seem to bother my toddler tester, and he loved the included bumper bar – bear in mind, depending on the size of your baby, you may have to remove the bar completely to get your baby in and out, as it doesn’t pivot.
The shopping basket is roomy and easy to access, but I found the seat cushioning, straps, harness pads (which are just loose), and buckle pretty basic. I also found adjusting the straps a little trying. You have to pull them through pre-cut holes, and it’s a squeeze. Nor does it self-stand. However, if you don’t need all the bells and whistles and just want an affordable, lightweight, easy-to-fold option, the myavo is brilliant.
Buy now £130.00, Gracobaby.eu
Bugaboo butterfly 2 travel pushchair
Best: Lightweight stroller for comfort
Folded dimensions: 24.5cm × 44.8cm × 55.5 cm
Weight: 7.3 kg
Age suitability: From birth (with fully flat seat) up to 22 kg (approximately 4 years old)
Handlebar height: 102.4cm
Car seat compatible: Yes (with adapters)
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Forest green, desert taupe, deep indigo, heritage black
Why we love it
- Bio-based and recycled materials
- Quick fold
- Premium design
Take note
- Expensive
- No bumper bar
I loved testing out the Bugaboo fox5 earlier this year, and much like the Joolz aer, Bugaboo has done some serious refining from the first model of its stroller, the butterfly. The butterfly 2 is a super stroller; not only does it look sleek and feel plush to the touch, it’s practical to use. However, as I’ve come to expect from this popular brand, it comes at a cost.
Unlike the original butterfly, this seat fully reclines, making it newborn-friendly, and also goes fully upright. The wheels are bigger too, making it a joy to push, even if there’s some texture underfoot. Storage has been well considered with a roomy basket underneath, and there’s even a backseat pocket to slide keys or your phone.
A highlight is just how comfortable it is. The seat itself feels more cocooning than the others with the side panels, so my little tester didn’t look exposed when strolling. While it’s not as light as some of the others, it feels incredibly robust from the wheels to the overall stability. For city dwellers, this really is the only pushchair you would ever need, which justifies the price tag.
Buy now £435.00, Bugaboo.com
Ergobaby metro3
Best: Lightweight stroller for taller parents
Folded dimensions: 56cm x 44cm x 23cm
Weight: 7.6kg
Age suitability: From birth to four years old (up to 22kg)
Handlebar height: 108cm
Cat seat compatible: Yes (with adapters)
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Dark grey, beige, black
Why we love it
- Excellent hood
- Easy-access large basket
- Robust tyres
- Adjustable handlebar
Take note
- Felt heavy
- Brake isn’t flip-flop friendly
- Not as compact as others
- A bit noisy
I adore the ErgoBaby carrier, so I was eager to test out this stroller from the celebrated Australian brand. As one of the heaviest I tested, the Metro3 certainly felt more rugged than some of the lighter options. While you might not think you’d feel the difference in an extra kilogram of weight, you’d be surprised how this requires a little extra effort when lugging in and out of the car or lifting up high. The fold is fabulous, though, pressing two buttons on the handlebar, and there are even clear instructions printed on the handlebar. It folds into self-standing mode, and I found the placement of the carry handle on the seat super useful.
The handlebar is a highlight. It’s adjustable, which isn’t typical on travel strollers, and the highest setting is up at 108cm, which makes pushing this stroller a much more pleasurable experience if you’re tall. It handles even rougher terrain exceptionally well, but it did make a few rattly noises when pushed.
My little tester seemed very comfy; Ergobaby has gone to town on the plush padding. The footrest can be folded up or down, and the shopping basket is not only easy to access, roomy. As I’d expect from a sunny Australian brand, the sunshade is brilliant, offering plenty of coverage, UPF50 (ultraviolet protection factor), and a great mesh peephole to check on your kid.
I also love this stroller for its easy recline function, with a pull tab that allows you to customise the recline to nearly flat, and there’s also car seat compatibility. I found the straps a little fiddly, and the footbrake is not flip-flop friendly, but overall, this stroller is a worthy contender.
Buy now £339.90, Ergobaby.co.uk
iCandy pip
Best: Lightweight stroller for manoeuvrability
Folded dimensions: 44.5cm x 24cm x 56cm
Weight: 7kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 25kg
Handlebar height: 105cm
Car seat compatible: Only the iCandy Cocoon
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Latte, black, sage, sunset, limestone
Why we love it
- Fabulous fold
- Great suspension
- Flip-flop friendly brake
- Bumper bar
- Car seat compatible
- Larger weight limit
Take note
- Expensive
- Can’t attach car seat
iCandy is a much-loved pushchair brand, but the Pip is its first lightweight stroller. However, it was certainly worth the wait. The fold is brilliant; you can fold it with one hand, and it folds up compactly into self-standing mode. It’s a super smooth ride thanks to the superior suspension, the front wheels can swivel or be locked, and it handles curb hopping brilliantly, and doesn’t go to pieces with rougher terrain.
The handlebar is smooth to the touch and sits at 105cm, which was a good height for me, though I found it quite narrow. Nevertheless, it feels high-end to push, as you’d expect from a premium brand. It also comes with a bumper bar, which my little tester couldn’t stop touching, but it’s great for attaching toys and distracting toddlers. You’ll need to adjust the bumper bar when folding, but that’s a small price to pay. The fabric is plush, and the padded insert is easy to attach, and it’s reversible, which is useful for messy toddlers.
I was impressed with the sunhood that not only boasts great coverage but also has a larger ventilation panel than most. And the under-seat basket, plus a zipped pocket, offers plenty of storage when out and about. I also appreciated how easy the recline feature is, with a simple clip and pull tab, while the buckles were easy to navigate, clipping in two rather than four. The only drawbacks are that it’s expensive and can’t be used with a car seat. However, it’s a very good stroller.
Buy now £429.00, Icandyworld.com
Stokke yoyo³ stroller
Best: Lightweight stroller from six months
Folded dimensions: 52cm × 44cm × 18cm
Weight: 6.59kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 48 months (up to 22kg)
Handlebar height: 106cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, with all of the Cybex aton range. Other car seats including Maxi Cosi pebble 360 pro are compatible, but check which will work with your adaptor
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Black or white frame, seat in black, olive green, aqua blue, light grey, taupe, pastel pink, blue, brown
Why we love it
- Super compact
- Lightweight
- Excellent wheels and suspension
- Selection of colours
Take note
- Can only use from 6 months without carrycot/car seat
- Requires assembly
- Awkward storage
- No footrest
Out of all the travel strollers, the yoyo was the one I was most excited to try out. The OG of cabin-friendly strollers, in 2012, Babyzen released the yoyo; the first evolutionary ultra-compact stroller that also delivers against needs for on-the-go parents. In 2019, Norwegian brand Stokke acquired the brand and launched the yoyo³ last year.
You’ll see by the size of the box (or should I say boxes, with colour pack arriving separately) just how dinky this stroller is. Frustratingly, you’ll have to set aside a bit of time to “build” it; attaching the seat and colour pack, and adding the hood. While this isn’t a huge ask, given the price point, I wasn't expecting much labour. Once assembled, you have a sleek, stylish stroller, which is lightweight and easy to carry when folded.
While I was impressed with the compact nature of the yoyo, I didn’t love folding it down. It’s a little more laborious than the likes of the iCandy pip (£429, Icandyworld.com) or Joolz aer (£439, Joolz.com) as there’s an awkward lock underneath the seat that you need to pull. Having said this, you can sling it over your shoulder brilliantly, and unfolding it is super slick.
I found the padding plush, and there’s a good level of recline, but sadly, no adjustable legrest (you can buy this at an additional cost, or a bumper bar). I was also surprised to see that it doesn’t come with a rain cover. While the storage basket is pretty roomy, the entry point at the back is quite narrow, and because of the chassis design, almost hopeless at the front, and I also thought the sunhood could be larger. For a smooth ride, though, the yoyo takes some beating with suspension across all four wheels, making strolling with this a pleasurable experience.
Buy now £399.00, Stokke.com
Cybex libelle
Best: Compact lightweight stroller
Folded dimensions: 32cm × 20 cm × 48 cm
Weight: 6kg
Age suitability: From 6 months up to approximately 4 years old
Handlebar height: 102cm
Cat seat compatible: Yes, with any Cybex car seat
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Taupe frame with blue or beige seat, black frame with white, black or pink seat, silver frame with dark blue seat
Why we love it
- Ultra-compact
- Super lightweight
- Easy to fold
Take note
- Doesn’t lay flat
- No peephole in sun hood
- Different style handlebar
The libelle was by far the most compact stroller I tested, so for those with limited space, this stroller really is miniature. It folds differently from any of the others I tested, folding into the centre, but it’s a quick process.
But while I loved the size, I’m less positive about the pushing experience. If you’ve never pushed a typical travel stroller, it might not be such a significant change, but I struggled to adjust to this wider, joystick-style handlebar. I’m used to pushing with one traditional handlebar across the top, whereas the libelle has two handle grips, much like the old umbrella-style strollers, and it isn’t as ergonomic. The handlebar is also a little low for my preference, and I also struggled with the footbrake, which is positioned much higher.
However, I found the storage basket extra roomy, and I loved its one-pull harness, which is great for strapping my wriggly tester in at speed. There’s an adjustable legrest, but it’s a little fiddly to tweak. Given its dimensions and weight, I found it pretty robust, and while the wheels are small, the suspension keeps it a smooth ride.
Buy now £259.95, Cybex-online.com
Silver Cross clic 2
Best: Lightweight stroller for good looks
Folded dimensions: 54cm x 46.5cm x 25cm
Weight: 6.5kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 22kg
Handlebar height: 105cm
Cat seat compatible: No
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Black, dark beige, dark green, light beige
Why we love it
- Great fold
- Lightweight
- Stylish aesthetics
Take note
- Not airline friendly
- Can’t use the bumper bar when footrest is up
The clic 2 is a stylish stroller. From the geometric stitching in the plumply padded seat, to the tan accents on the bumper- and handlebars, it looks better than most boring black strollers. Unlike the jet (£295, Silvercrossbaby.com), the clic is less about travel and more about everyday use, and while the dimensions are a little larger than the jet, I much prefer the simpler fold, which was great for getting it in and out of the car in a nursery-run rush.
I found the carry strap is well placed, which I used on more than one occasion when my toddler wanted to walk and hold my hand instead. That’s not to say he wasn’t comfortable; he looked super relaxed as he held onto the bumper bar, with his feet elevated on the legrest.
But while I loved the bumper bar, it comes with its shortcomings. Frustratingly, if the leg rest is up, there’s no swing room to plug the bumper bar in, which means you have to remove it completely to get your baby in or out. I also grappled with the brake, which is positioned a little awkwardly. That said, I found pushing this stroller a pleasure, with good suspension and a well-positioned handlebar height. I question how quickly the covers will need a wash, but I love the understated aesthetics.
Buy now £295.00, Silvercrossbaby.com
Joie pact pro
Best: Very lightweight stroller
Folded dimensions: 66.1cm x 47.1cm x 24.3cm
Weight: 6.3kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 22kg
Handlebar height: 106cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, with the Joie gemm, i-gemm 3, i-jemini, i-level recline, and i-snug 2
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Dark grey
Why we love it
- Purse-friendly
- Easy fold
- Wide seat
- Super light, large shopping basket
- Car seat adapters provided
Take note
- Takes up more room
- Limited colours
- Low-cost wheels
The Joie pact pro is a budget stroller, so my expectations were fairly low. But I was proven totally wrong. It does everything you need it to do, and well. The fold is seamless with the simple two buttons on the handlebar. It’s very lightweight, and it can lie flat effortlessly with the clip behind the seat. There’s a faux leather bumper bar included, a peephole in the sunhood, and the footrest adjusts. Plus, I found the storage basket below extra roomy and best of all, the brake was one of the easiest to operate.
My little tester seemed content in this stroller, the padding is plush, and while the fabrics aren’t as soft, they feel hardwearing. It stands easily, and while it’s not as compact, storing it is a doddle. However, adjusting the strap lengths is a bit laborious as you have to thread through the back, and I did find the sunhood a little limited in terms of coverage.
But the big drawback – and where you can notice the price difference – is the wheels and suspension. This stroller is only suited to flat surfaces, which, let’s be honest, is most of the everyday terrain you’ll face with a stroller. If you live somewhere with perfect paving, this is a great option. If, like most of us, you’re navigating old pavements with dodgy slabs, tree roots and dropped kerbs, you’ll find that this rattles a little.
Buy now £150.00, Joiebaby.com
Cybex coya
Best: Luxury lightweight stroller
Folded dimensions: 52cm x 44cm x 18cm
Weight: 6.6kg
Age suitability: From birth up to approximately 4 years (up to 22 kg)
Handlebar height: 105cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, with any Cybex car seat
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Black, peach pink, light green, beige, grey, off white
Why we love it
- Fabulous fold
- One-pull harness
- Super light
- Great suspension
- Car seat compatible
- Luxe look
Take note
- Expensive
- Limited sun hood
- Flimsy brake
Cybex is a parenting brand that’s synonymous with style and safety, but its products also come with a high price tag, particularly those that fall in its premium range. The coya is the most expensive stroller I tested, so I wanted to see a lot from it. Before I get into the practicalities, I can’t overlook the beauty. There’s a rose gold chassis and accents on the handlebar, which is embossed and features gorgeous stitched detailing, and a glamorous sheen to all four wheels, while the fabric looks and feels luxurious.
But there was a lot to love beyond the looks, too. It’s compact when folded, and self-stands, with the same minimal dimensions as the yoyo (£399, Stokke.com). The fold and unfold is a doddle, however, there’s an extra step when compared with the similarly priced Joolz aer (£439, Joolz.com) or Bugaboo butterfly (£435, Bugaboo.com), as you have to undo a discreet clip on the left-hand side. It doesn’t add much to the process – maybe an extra second – but every second counts when you’re juggling a wriggling toddler. The well-placed carry strap is a blessing, though, and simple to find, unlike most strollers.
The plush padded inlay provides a lot of comfort, and the seat felt roomy for my little tester. The fabric reveals a small section of the breathable mesh at the back, which is great on clammy days, and when totally removed, lets the breeze flow, which is a plus for frequent travellers to hotter climes. Having said that, I was a little disappointed at the limited sunhood; the coverage is much smaller than most, and while the mesh panel is great for viewing your baby, I did feel it could be a bit bigger, particularly if your baby is snoozing.
The lie flat function is brilliant, a simple pull to recline, and there are four recline settings. However, even the most upright was a little relaxed for my curious tester. While the footrest is also adjustable, it adds minimal length, and there’s no included bumper bar, which is a shame considering the price. I was also disappointed in the brake, it’s quite close to the ground, making it fiddly to operate, and I’d expect something more robust from a high-end stroller, but what makes up for this oversight is the excellent belting process, which is so often a challenge. The one-pull harness is the best I tested, allowing you to tighten or loosen in seconds. I also praise this stroller for its excellent suspension and smooth ride.
Buy now £519.95, Cybex-online.com
Silver Cross jet 5 space travel stroller
Best: Lightweight stroller for travel
Folded dimensions: 25cm x 37cm x 60cm
Weight: 7.5kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 22kg
Handlebar height: 103cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, with the Silver Cross dream, Cybex cloud T i-size, Cybex cloud G i-size, Maxi-Cosi pebble 360 pro 2, Maxi-cosi coral i-size, Maxi-cosi cabriofix i-size, Nuna arra next
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Blue, black, beige
Why we love it
- Plush fabrics
- Flip-flop friendly brakes
- Compact fold
- Self stand
- Suitcase mode
Take note
- Complex fold
- Awkward storage space
- Felt heavier
Now in its fifth generation, the jet is a popular travel stroller for many reasons. It was one of the first to market and still a top contender, so I was keen to take it out and about. Out of the box, it looks great, and the blue colourway is a refreshing break from the usual boring black. It’s made from soft jersey fabrics which have been crafted using recycled plastic bottles and feels super breathable, which is a bonus when using on hot holidays.
The jet is all about holidays, from the brilliant sun hood which provides great coverage to the flip-flop friendly brakes (push on the red to stop, or push down on the green to go), and the fact that you can wheel it like a suitcase with the bumper bar becoming your handle. This is useful when you have a toddler with a sitting-down time limit.
There’s no denying that this was one of the sturdiest I tested, and the robust wheels feel up for adventure, but that did lead to a heavier pushchair, with it weighing in a whole kilogram heavier than the likes of the Joolz aer2 (£439, Joolz.com). It’s super compact, and the self-stand is great for storage. It folds much thinner than most, but it’s much longer, particularly if you keep the bumper bar attached. The only time this bothered me was when lying it flat in the boot, and you can just alleviate the problem by taking the bumper bar off.
I did have some gripes, though. You have to be quite forceful when unfolding it, as you need to have a tight grip on the frame of the stroller to click the wheels in place. While the process became easier over time, I didn’t find it very natural. I was also deflated by the storage basket as you can only really access it from the front, which is easier said than done when your baby’s legs are dangling in the way. I found the peephole to be in a strange position, as I didn’t gain much of a look from that angle.
That said, it’s very comfortable. My little tester seemed content in the roomy seat with plush padding, the seat lies nicely flat, and the magnetic buckle speeds up the means of strapping in.
Buy now £295.00, Silvercrossbaby.com
Cosatto yo!
Best: Lightweight stroller in bold patterns
Folded dimensions: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (IATA Compatible)
Weight: 7kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 25kg
Handlebar height: 104cm
Car seat compatible: No
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Patterns include cars, dinosaurs, unicorns, hedgehogs and whisper (trees/animals in black and white or white and beige)
Why we love it
- Easy to fold
- Large shopping basket
- Sustainable materials
Take note
- Limited wheels
- Small sunhood
- A bit noisy
- Would like more recline angles
Cosatto is a British brand known for its loud prints and whimsical patterns; however, the whisper pattern (white and beige) is a more understated choice. Falling into the lower price bracket, I wondered how much the yo! would deliver, but I was pleasantly impressed.
Let’s start with unboxing. You have to attach all four wheels, but then you’re ready for action. The fold is a breeze. You have to remember to unclip the lock, but it’s an effortless process. I instantly noticed how big the basket was, as it can take a whopping 8kg and is easy to access. I also appreciated that the straps don’t thread through the whole seat, so you push and pull the shoulder straps to sit where you like. Although clipping was a bit fiddly, as you slide the components together to secure the straps.
When out and about, this pushchair was smooth on flat surfaces, and it handled kerbs well, but anything rougher was too much for the small wheels. I found the handlebar a little lower than I’d like, and I found that it was easy to push the brake on by accident. There’s also a bit of a rattle when pushing, and I’d appreciate a more upright seat position for my nosy baby. I question how this pushchair would look after a snack or two, because it’s not the most practical colourway, but when it comes to the main features, it’s lightweight, compact and made using recycled plastic bottles, which is a lovely touch.
Buy now £179.95, Cosatto.com
Maxi-Cosi lara2
Best: Airline-friendly budget stroller
Folded dimensions: 50cm x 51cm x 26cm
Weight: 6.4kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 4 years old or 22kg
Handlebar height: 104cm
Car seat compatible : Yes, with the Maxi-Cosi pebble, pebble plus, pebble pro, rock, tinca, cabriofix and citi baby car seats (with Maxi-Cosi lara2 car seat adapter)
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Light grey, dark grey
Why we love it
- Easy to fold
- Large basket
- Lightweight
- Purse-friendly
Take note
- Doesn’t lie flat
- Could be more aesthetically pleasing
The Maxi-Cosi 360 pro car seat won high praise in our review, but how would the brand’s lara2 stroller fare? I found that the fold and unfold is simple, and the result is a compact stroller. It doesn’t self-stand and you do have a little lock on the arms to hold it in place, but it’s lightweight, one of the lightest I tested, but it feels sturdy.
This is also the only stroller I tested with double wheels at the front, and while I found they helped with stability, it wasn’t the smoothest at manoeuvring around corners and up and down kerbs. I also felt it dated the stroller and looked chunkier than necessary.
It didn’t feel as premium as the top-tier strollers in this review, and I found the bumper bar a little fiddly to unclip, but in general, the lara2 does the job. My little tester seemed very comfy thanks to the generous padding and legrest, and I could check on him through the fabulous mesh peephole. I also thought the harness was super straightforward to adjust.
Shop around and you can get this pushchair for around £150, which is a considerable amount cheaper than many. For this low price point, there is a lot to love.
Buy now £189.99, Maxi-cosi.co.uk
Ickle Bubba airies prime autofold stroller
Best: Lightweight stroller for accessories
Folded dimensions (with bumper bar): 46cm x 22cm x 79cm
Weight: 6.1kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 22kg
Handlebar height: 103cm
Car seat compatible: No
Fits on a plane: No
Colours available: Sage green, black, dark grey, beige
Why we love it
- Easy fold, self-stands, purse-friendly
Take note
- Bulky and doesn’t reduce in size as much as some
What sets the airies prime autofold stroller apart is that it comes as a bundle, with accessories galore. Inside the box, you’ll find a foot muff, storage bag, buggy organiser, rain cover and even a cup holder to keep hydrated on the go, all with change from £200.
Sadly, the fold isn’t compact enough to take as carry-on luggage, but it’s super roomy, and there was plenty of space for my growing baby. I found the seat padding, straps, harness pads and buckle to be fairly standard for this price point, but there were no complaints from my tester, who looked comfy. I loved the included bumper bar, which pivots to allow easy access to your toddler, plus there’s a leg rest, too.
The shopping basket is roomy and easy to shove bits and pieces underneath. The sunhood has a peephole, and the coverage does the job. The wheels are quite small, but when strolling on smooth surfaces, they’re adequate. What I loved the most was the fold. It’s a doddle, and can be done with one hand as it auto-folds into itself. It’s also delightfully lightweight, weighing in at just over 6kg.
Buy now £169.15, Icklebubba.com
Mamas and Papas airo
Best: Lightweight stroller for lying flat
Folded dimensions: 25cm x 45cm x 55cm
Weight: 7.6kg
Age suitability: From birth up to 22kg or up to 4 years (whichever comes first)
Handlebar height: 99cm
Car seat compatible: Yes, with Cybex aton 5, aton M i-size, aton M, aton B, aton Q, aton Q i-size, cloud Q, cloud Z, Maxi-Cosi pebble pro, coral, rock, cabriofix, tinca i-size, marble, Joie i-gemm and i-level, with airo adaptor
Fits on a plane: Yes
Colours available: Black
Why we love it
- Good price
- Lies very flat
- Flip-flop friendly brake
- Compact
- Adjustable handlebar
- Bumper bar
- Car seat compatible
Take note
- Felt heavy
- Complicated fold
- Not self-standing
I’m a big Mamas and Papas fan, and while it’s a large retailer, you often find that its in-house brand offers good quality parenting gear at more affordable prices than the other brands. The airo is its travel-friendly stroller, and while it may be the lightest pushchair in their range, it was one of the heaviest of those I tested, weighing 7.6kg. You mightn’t think you’d notice, but it did feel bulkier than most. On the plus side, this doesn’t affect how compact it folds, as I found it great for putting in the back of the car or even the footwell.
The fold itself has taken me a while to master and, compared to others, has a few more steps (you have to unlock the frame, twist the handle, and flip back the sunhood), which is a much lengthier process than the other strollers I tried.
There are plenty of positives, though. You can fold it with the bumper bar attached, the suspension is great, and it offers a smooth ride. You can adjust the handlebar, but the highest setting is 99cm, which, as taller parents, my partner and I found too low. You can adjust the footrest, and it has excellent safety features, with a clearly marked, flip-flop-friendly brake and a wrist strap.
While the seat felt comfy enough, and I had no complaints from my little tester, he looked a little exposed. It’s not a particularly wide seat, and his arms were often out in the open. Because the frame is angled away from the seat, I felt quite a distance between us. It comes with a cover and backpack straps (although I wouldn’t recommend carrying it for long periods). I found this one of the flattest, and you can choose between three settings using the clip behind the seat.
Buy now £189.00, Mamasandpapas.com
Your questions on lightweight strollers answered
What is the best lightweight stroller?
The Joolz aer2 is a fabulous buggy for most everyday adventures, yet fully geared for travelling with a baby or toddler. It’s expensive, but it’s a fair price if you need a new buggy right from the birth of your child. If your budget is a little smaller, and you want a stroller where you can attach a car seat, check in as cabin luggage, and fold in a flash, the Maxi Cosi lara 2 ticks a lot of boxes without pulling the purse strings too forcefully.
Which brands sell the lightest pushchairs?
The Graco myavo weighs in at just 5.81kg, which is much lighter than many other models on the market. Meanwhile, the best buy boasts a weight of just of just 6.5kg, which is around the average for these pshchairs. Our most weighty pick at 7.6kg, which isn’t that much heavier in the grand scheme of things, but every kilo matters with a lightweight stroller.
What pushchairs are recommended for airlines?
Whether you can bring yours onto the plane as hand luggage will depend on the airline you’re flying with. That being said, very small and foldable strollers can often be placed in the overhead luggage (provided there is enough space).
Which pushchairs are best for small cars?
Small and foldable pushchairs will lend themselves well to fitting into the boot of your car. Better still, an especially helpful feature to consider is whether the chassis is compatible with a car seat. This will make transporting your child to and from the car less of a hassle, while it can also save you some space.
Can the prams collapse as one unit?
Collapse mechanisms with buggies and pushchairs vary, but some models allow you to collapse your buggy with one quick and easy motion, often with the click of a button. Some models require a few steps to fold down – these may not always be as compact as those that can close in one simple motion.
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