How To Choose The Best Travel Stroller For You

The best strollers of 2026 that make travelling a breeze.

If you take your kid on a trip anywhere from the age of zero to four, you're going to need a travel pram. And if it isn't exactly a need, it would definitely make things a lot easier. They’re lightweight, foldable, easy to manoeuvre and will help you get them around when you're rushing for a flight, getting through busy streets or are taking them to a dinner they'll definitely fall asleep at. Here’s how to choose the very best travel pram or stroller to suit your needs.

What is a travel pram?

As the name suggests, a travel pram is a portable stroller that's ideal for travelling. They are more compact, lighter, and fold up for the itty-bitty overhead cabin space on airplanes. Just ensure you have a bag to put it in if you're flying Jetstar.

How do travel prams work?

Put simply, a travel stroller works in much the same way as all prams do, however, their point of difference is the way they're compact, lightweight and able to fold up easily. Many of our travel prams fold up with the click of a single button meaning once you get the hang of them, you can even do it one-handed! On top of this, they can even be taken on planes and stored in the overhead compartment, a total game changer when it comes to travelling with young children.

What is the travel pram's dimensions?

This can vary per airline so always make sure to double check prior to flying. Generally speaking, the standard travel stroller dimensions allowed are 56cm x 36cm x 23 cm, and carry on weight is around least 7kgs and max 10kgs.

8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Travel Pram

1. Pram Size

All travel prams are small, small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of your plane. But some are smaller than others. The Joolz Aer2 weighs just 6.4kgs making it a popular choice. Once again proving that great things come in small packages. With its lightweight UPF50+ high performance materials and considered design, this stroller has great wheels, ventilation, storage, and a one-hand fold. When your hands are tied with something else slightly more important!

Joolz AER2 Stroller

2. Baby age (and size)

One thing to keep in mind is the age of your child when looking for a stroller. If you're baby is under six months when you want to use it, or over 6 months but not yet sitting up, you'll want a travel stroller with a bassinet. Joolz Aer2 is a great choice. It has a bassinet with a breathable, thick double mattress and extended sun hood with ventilation and added protection, your newborn is guaranteed a comfortable ride, all tucked away in a 8kg package. The Babybee Miles Stroller has a seat that flat reclines, making it appropriate to use from newborn. UppaBaby Minu V3 offers a great bassinet accessory add on, and a seat that has a flat recline so it can also be used from newborn up to 4 years old. Prefer to stick to a car capsule when transitioning from drive to stroll? No problem! The UppaBaby Minu V3 is also compatible (via an adapter) with a car seat capsule, so is the Bugaboo Butterfly. If your child 6 months and older the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller could be best suited to you, with its multi-level reclining extra-large seat with comfortable cushioning and supportive head rest is great for taller toddler and preschoolers. In a pinch, a 5-year-old can comfortable cruise around.

Joolz AER2 Cot

3. Portibility

This is of course a no-brainer. A travel pram is lightweight and sleek enough so it doesn’t affect your luggage allowance and have a strap to sling it over your shoulder so you can carry it around with ease and fold up with virtually one touch. If this is your number one priority, you’re in luck, as the Joolz Aer2, and Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller all fit the bill here. They are all incredibly lightweight and incorporate a padded, comfortable shoulder strap making carrying it a breeze. If carrying something on your shoulder isn’t your forte, then the UppaBaby Minu V3 and Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller each have a travel backpack option, where the pram fits cleverly in a compact, protective backpack, leaving both your arms free. It's important to keep in mind that in Australia many airlines require your travel pram to be in a bag to go into carry on. It doesn't have to be a dedicated stroller bag, but they do make it easier.

Bugaboo Butterfly Transport Bag

4. Ease of use

Travelling can be stressful enough without having complicated products that, instead of helping you, make your experience more challenging. That is why it is crucial to invest in a travel pram that is super easy to use no matter who is wheeling your baby around in it. For this reason, we love the UPPAbaby Minu. Its simple one-handed fold and unfold is a game changer, especially when your other arm is likely to be occupied with something else a little more precious! It can also be manoeuvred with one hand, with it’s amazing 360-degree pivot wheels leaving you to pull a suitcase with your free arm. The bottom storage compartment is also generous in size, with a 9kg weight limit, handy for any extra overflow items for when you may have backed a little too well!

Uppababy Minu V3 Stroller

5. Comfort

They say that comfort is key and whilst you can’t predict much as a parent, we can in fact assure you on a blissful, smooth and comfortable ride on your journey from A to B with your little one safely one in tow. If a lie flat recline is essential to catching some much-needed zzzz’s on the go, then the Uppababy Minu V3 and BabyBee Miles are two of the only travel prams to have a reclining option that is almost flat, providing the utmost comfort and perfect napping environment, with an ergonomic, supportive seat for awake times. In terms of the smoothest ride, the Joolz Aer2> comes with four-wheel suspension and lockable swivel wheels, reducing the impact of any bumps or uneven terrain, avoiding any unintentional disturbances. The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Stroller has the tallest seat back so is more accommodating for older or taller children.

Babybee Miles Stroller

6. Cleaning

We are sure you are aware by now, this parenting thing involves a little bit of mess at the best of times. Needless to say, you are going to be on the lookout for machine washable/easy to wipe down gear and your travel pram is no exception! Whether your baby has a little accident, spillage, or you are simply worried about the nasty airport germs, having a pram insert that you can put in the wash is a game changer. The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 seat, inlay, under seat basket and even carry strap are machine washable at 30 degrees, with the base fabric being a hand wash only.

Bugaboo Butterfly 2

7. Sufficient sun protection

No matter where you are when out and about with your baby, you want to make sure they are protected from the sun. All travel prams have extended sun canopies that provide the ultimate UPF50+ protection from Australia’s harsh sun, but it filters out sunlight, providing extra darkness for those naps on the go. The Joolz Aer2 is also a winner in this department, with its super extended sun canopy (also UPF50+) providing more coverage for your baby on the sunniest and rainiest days.

Joolz AER2 Stroller

8. Transitional innovations

The this Joolz AER2 Nest is perfect for travel when you've got a younger baby, but it doesn't feel worth it to get the bassinet. Start with the soft, snug newborn nest and seamlessly transition to the parent-facing seat as your baby grows no extra parts needed. The stroller folds in seconds with one hand, stands upright when stored, and weighs just 6.5kg for effortless carrying with its built-in shoulder strap. Designed for travel, it fits in overhead compartments and is IATA compliant. With enhanced kick-space, a larger basket, bigger wheels for smoother rides, and intuitive one-hand adjustments for steering, folding, recline, and harness, the AER² is built for comfort and ease. Crafted from recycled fabrics and engineered with smart airflow and ergonomic support, it’s a sustainable, stylish solution for life on the move.

Tossing up which travel pram is right for you? Use our comparison chart.

Joolz AER2 Nest to Seat + Stroller

So, what is the best travel stroller for me?

Armed with our checklist for how to choose the best travel pram, go forth and conquer your adventures confidently, knowing you have the best side kick on wheels, supporting your little side kick in the stroller! It is important to consider size, age, portability, comfort, ease, cleanable capability, canopy cover and safety when choosing a travel pram. Remember sometimes the greatest things come in the smallest of packages!