Travelling with a toddler can feel like packing up half the house, and the last thing you want is to be juggling a bulky pushchair at the airport. That’s why a cabin approved travel stroller can make such a difference. These lightweight, compact designs fold small enough to fit into most overhead lockers, making your journey smoother whether you’re hopping on a plane, train, or coach.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks for the best travel strollers in 2025. From quick comparison tables to in depth reviews, you’ll find the right match for your family. I’ll also share what I looked for when choosing these strollers, key buying tips, and some trusted advice based on NHS recommendations around safe travel with children.
Whether you’re searching for the best travel stroller for airplane trips, a reliable travel pram for newborns, or a lightweight travel buggy for toddlers, this guide has you covered.
Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Stokke YOYO3 Stroller | Ultra compact fold, newborn pack option, smooth suspension | £480–£530 | Reliable and versatile ideal for frequent flyers |
| Bugaboo Butterfly | One second fold, roomy seat, sturdy build | £400–£420 | Great balance of comfort and cabin size practicality |
| Joolz Aer+ | Featherlight (6kg), ergonomic seat, premium feel | £430–£450 | Perfect for parents who value sleek design and portability |
| Cybex Libelle | Tiny folded size, fits most overhead bins, budget friendly | £200–£250 | Best for tight spaces and value conscious parents |
| Cybex Orfeo | Compact, travel system compatible, reclining seat | £250–£280 | A good mix of portability and newborn readiness |
| Chicco Goody Plus | Auto fold, stylish design, affordable | £180–£200 | A practical choice if you want cabin size at a lower cost |
Maxi Cosi Lara² Pushchair | Lightweight (6.4kg), one hand automatic fold, reclines from birth, car seat compatible | £250–£300 | Great for parents seeking a reliable, compact stroller that works from newborn up to toddler age |
How I Picked These
When selecting the best travel strollers, I focused on what parents really need when travelling:
- Safety and certifications: Only models tested to EU/UK standards.
- Portability: Lightweight, compact fold that meets most airline cabin rules.
- Comfort: Padded seats, recline options, and smooth suspension for naps on the go.
- Durability: Strong frames and easy clean fabrics for long term use.
- Value: A good mix of premium and budget friendly options.
As a parent, I know how stressful it can be juggling a baby, bags, and boarding passes. The strollers listed here were chosen with that real world perspective in mind.
Best Cabin Approved Travel Strollers Reviews
Stokke YOYO3 Stroller
The Stokke YOYO3 is a cult favourite among travelling parents, and for good reason. It folds down to an impressively compact size, is accepted as cabin baggage by many airlines, and has a smooth, sturdy suspension.
Pros:
- Cabin approved fold
- Newborn pack available
- Comfortable padded seat
Cons:
- Higher price tag
- Accessories sold separately
Best for: Parents who travel often and want one stroller that can grow with their child.
This one stood out because it’s incredibly versatile from city breaks to long haul flights, it really does it all.
Bugaboo Butterfly
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a parent favourite thanks to its one second fold and surprisingly spacious seat. While lightweight, it still feels strong and stable.
Pros:
- Quick fold
- Roomy seat and footrest
- Premium build
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than the YOYO2 when folded
- Pricey for occasional travellers
Best for: Parents who want a balance of compact size and all day comfort. I love how easy it is to fold with one hand, a lifesaver when you’re holding your baby in the other arm.
Joolz Aer+
At just 6kg, the Joolz Aer+ is one of the lightest travel pushchairs available. It has a sleek look and an ergonomic seat designed for growing toddlers.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight
- Premium design
- Long lasting quality
Cons:
- Doesn’t recline flat for newborns
- Premium pricing
Best for: Style conscious parents and frequent flyers. This stroller stood out for me because it feels luxurious without compromising on practicality.
Cybex Libelle
The Cybex Libelle is one of the smallest folding strollers in the world, making it perfect for squeezing into overhead compartments. It’s also budget friendly.
Pros:
- Ultra compact fold
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Less padded than premium options
- Not suitable from birth
Best for: Parents who want a compact stroller for occasional travel. It impressed me because of how tiny it folds, ideal if you’re short on storage space.
Cybex Orfeo
The Cybex Orfeo combines compact design with travel system compatibility. With a reclining seat, it works for younger babies too.
Pros:
- Reclines for naps
- Travel system ready
- Compact fold
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than Libelle
- Accessories cost extra
Best for: Families looking for newborn to toddler travel flexibility. What I liked was its ability to work with car seats handy when hopping between taxis and flights.
Chicco Goody XPlus
The Chicco Goody XPlus is an affordable yet stylish travel buggy that auto folds with one push.
Pros:
- Auto fold feature
- Budget friendly
- Comfortable for toddlers
Cons:
- Not as compact as others
- Bulkier when folded
Best for: Parents on a budget who still want a cabin size stroller.This one stood out because of its value. You get practicality without the premium price.
Maxi Cosi Lara² Pushchair Review
The Maxi Cosi Lara² Pushchair is a lightweight, practical travel stroller ideal from newborn to toddler. It offers easy folding, sun protection, and car seat compatibility for on the go families.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 6.4 kg, easy to carry and handle
- One hand automatic fold for convenience at airports or on public transport
- Suitable from birth thanks to recline and adjustable leg rest
- Compatible with Maxi Cosi car seats (adapters sold separately) for travel system use
- Extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy for sun protection
- Two storage baskets for essential items
- Affordable compared to premium travel strollers
Cons:
- Limited suspension makes it bumpier on rough terrains
- Doesn’t recline fully flat (needs extra newborn support)
- Storage space is practical but not very large
- Accessories like car seat adapters sold separately
Best for: Parents who want a travel friendly stroller suitable from newborn to toddler that is lightweight, compact, and good for everyday use without a huge price tag. I like how it balances convenience and functionality, especially for urban travel or flights.
Buyer’s Guide Choosing the Right Travel Stroller
When I was shopping for a travel pram, I realised there were key features I wish I had known:
- Airline approval: Always check with your airline as cabin size rules vary.
- Weight: Anything under 7kg is easier to carry through terminals.
- Recline options: Helpful if your child naps often.
- Ease of folding: One hand folds are a game changer.
- Cleaning: Look for removable, washable fabrics.
- Price range: Expect to spend £180–£450 depending on brand and features.
Parent Tip: Always test the fold before you buy what seems compact in a shop might not feel practical when juggling luggage.
Safety & Extra Tips
According to the NHS travel advice for children, safety should always come first:
- Always use the stroller harness, even on short trips.
- Check weight limits before use.
- Avoid hanging heavy bags on the handle it can tip over.
- When flying, keep essentials (snacks, nappies, wipes) in a small backpack for quick access.
Expert Tip: If your airline allows, gate check your stroller for extra convenience.
FAQs
Are travel strollers safe for newborns?
Only if the model reclines flat or has a newborn pack check before buying.
Which is the lightest cabin approved stroller?
The Cybex Libelle is one of the lightest at just 5.9kg.
Do airlines allow all strollers in cabins?
No. Always check your airline’s size and weight restrictions.
What’s better: a travel stroller or baby carrier for flying?
Both have benefits. A travel buggy is easier for long walks, while carriers are handy for boarding and security checks.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel stroller for airplane trips doesn’t have to be stressful. My top all rounder pick is the Stokke YOYO3. It’s compact, durable, and versatile enough for newborns and toddlers.
I know travelling with little ones can feel overwhelming, but with the right stroller, your journey becomes so much easier. Hopefully, this guide gives you the confidence to find the perfect travel companion for your family adventures.
