5 Best Ultra-Compact Strollers for Babies up to 3/4 Years Old – 2025
5 Best Ultra-Compact Strollers for Babies up to 3/4 Years Old (2025)
Are you looking for the best ultra-compact stroller to accompany your baby's growth up to 3 or 4 years old? In 2025, the choice has become easier thanks to the innovation of brands that are investing in increasingly lightweight, foldable, and complete models.
In this article, we share the TOP 5 most recommended ultra-compact baby strollers for those looking for practicality, comfort, and durability — ideal for both daily use and travel.
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Watch the full video review to get a detailed analysis by our child road safety specialist Cátia Neves ⬇️
Quick conclusion: the best ultra-compact baby stroller for 2025 is the Joolz Aer2, thanks to its lightness, practicality, and smart design.
Index
- Joolz Aer2 €469 (video review)
- Stokke YOYO 3 €469 (video review)
- UPPAbaby Minu V2 €375 (video review)
- Nuna TRVL LX €499 (video review)
- Maxi-Cosi Soho €349.99 (video review)
Joolz Aer2 Baby Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Joolz Aer2 ultra-compact baby stroller table
| ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ultra-compact and lightweight (6.5 kg) | ❌ Higher price compared to other models |
| ✅ Folds and unfolds with one hand | ❌ Limited capacity storage basket |
| ✅ Spacious and comfortable seat (81 cm with footrest) | ❌ Carrycot not included, sold separately |
| ✅ Rubber wheels provide greater comfort and shock absorption | |
| ✅ Compatible with carrycot, ideal from birth up to 4 years | |
| ✅ Approved for use in airplane cabins | |
| ✅ 10-year warranty |
Joolz Aer2 Ultra-Compact Stroller Review
The Joolz Aer2 is the number 1 ultra-compact stroller. It folds and unfolds with one hand, weighs only 6.5 kg, and is cabin-sized. Despite being compact, it functions as a trio and is ideal from birth up to 4 years old. It is also the model with the longest seat in its segment, designed for taller babies.
XS strollers are widely used on holidays and during the summer, so having a good canopy is super important to protect the baby from UV rays. The Joolz Aer2 stroller has an XL, ventilated canopy with UPF50+.
Still regarding summer, the ultra-compact stroller Joolz Aer2 comes with a friendly brake and release suitable for open-toed footwear.
Next, the seat stands out, which continues to use recyclable fabrics, but with a more ergonomic design. The seat features greater depth in the hip area to ensure correct baby posture and prevent slipping.
In addition, the seat fully reclines, offering three different recline positions, increasing comfort at various stages. It is prepared to receive a newborn reducer, facilitating adaptation from the first days.
Finally, the seat dimensions are: 54 cm in length, 35 cm in depth, and 39 cm in width. These dimensions allow the stroller to accompany the child's growth up to about 4 years old, ensuring long-term durability and comfort.
The bumper bar of the Joolz Aer 2 has been redesigned and is higher for greater comfort for tall people. In addition, it offers more legroom, preventing kicks when pushing.
Another highlight is the new bumper bar attachment system, which allows it to be assembled and disassembled by pressing only one button on one side.
On the other hand, the carrycot of the Joolz Aer 2 offers a comfortable and safe space for the baby, measuring 78 cm in length by 29.5 cm in width. Finally, parents can easily remove and reattach the carrycot, and the stroller folds compactly with the carrycot mounted, standing upright for easy storage.
If the Joolz Aer2 is out of budget, the Joolz Aer+ is a great alternative — and this summer it has discounts up to 25%. It remains a quality, lightweight, and easy-to-use ultra-compact stroller. Compared to the Aer2, you lose the included footrest, the more ergonomic seat, and a slightly smaller basket. Even so, the Aer+ remains an excellent choice.
The Joolz Aer2 takes first place for its unbeatable combination of lightness, practicality, and durability. It was designed to make parents' lives easier: it opens and closes with one hand, is ultra-compact, and has a larger-than-average seat and carrycot. With an ergonomic design and a 10-year warranty, it's a safe investment — perfect for accompanying not only the first child but also the second and even the third.
Stokke YOYO 3 Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Stokke YOYO 3 ultra-compact baby stroller table
| Advantages ✅ | Disadvantages ❌ |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extremely compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and transport | ❌ Shorter seat, suitable for children up to about 2 years old |
| ✅ Improved XL canopy with rear ventilation for greater thermal comfort | ❌ Folding requires two hands, less intuitive on vacation |
| ✅ Extendable seat (47 cm to 53 cm), accompanying baby's growth | ❌ Footrest sold separately, increasing total cost |
| ✅ Easy-to-adjust seat recline | ❌ Does not fully recline to a flat position |
| ✅ Excellent handling in urban areas and uneven surfaces | ❌ Shopping basket capacity smaller than other models |
Stokke YOYO 3 Stroller Review
The Stokke YOYO 3 is, of all the models analyzed, the most compact and the lightest. It is easy to transport, takes up little space, and adapts well to urban environments or travel with limited trunk space.
However, it doesn't take first place because despite its lightness and compact size, the opening and closing system is not as intuitive as other models. To open, it may be possible to use only one hand, but it requires some force. To close, it is really necessary to use both hands.
The Stokke YOYO 3 comes with several improvements over the previous version, making it even more functional for families looking for an ultra-compact stroller, especially during the summer months. One of the big novelties is the new XL canopy, now with a wider sun cover and a ventilation zone at the back, which allows for better air circulation and greater comfort for the baby on hotter days.
There have also been important updates to the seat. The backrest is now 47 cm high and can be extended up to 53 cm, which represents a significant improvement in terms of comfort and ergonomics as the baby grows. The seat width is 28 cm, which keeps the stroller light and compact, although more suitable for babies and children up to about 2 years old.
Finally, regarding recline, the YOYO 3 backrest is easy to adjust and allows for various intermediate positions. However, it does not offer a completely flat recline, which may be a limitation for those who want a stroller that allows for long naps in a fully lying position.
The YOYO 3 continues to be one of the most versatile ultra-compact strollers on the market. It can be used from birth with the carrycot or infant car seat, easily adapting to the different stages of the baby. Additionally, it is compatible with various car seat brands, such as Maxi-Cosi, BeSafe, Britax Römer, Cybex, Nuna, and Joie — which makes it even more practical for parents.
However, despite all the positive points, the YOYO 3 takes second place in our top. Firstly, the seat is shorter compared to the Joolz Aer2, which may limit comfort for older babies. Secondly, although it is easy to close, you need to be familiar with the mechanism to do it quickly and intuitively. Finally, it offers a 3-year warranty — a good extra, but it doesn't surpass the highlights of the top-ranked stroller.
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Ultra-Compact Stroller Table
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Rubber Wheels | ❌Volume 34*55*43 cm |
| ✅Material Quality | ❌Non-reversible seat |
| ✅One-hand fold | ❌Weight 7.2kg |
| ✅One-hand unfold | ❌Travel bag not included |
| ✅ XL canopy with peekaboos | |
| ✅Compatible with infant car seats from various brands (by purchasing Uppababy Minu 2 adapters for other brands) | |
| ✅ Brake and Release | |
| ✅Footrest included | |
| ✅Rain cover included | |
| ✅Armrest included |
Review of the UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller
The American brand UPPAbaby stands out for the exceptional quality of its strollers and takes 3rd place in the ranking of the best ultra-compact strollers for children up to 3/4 years old with the Minu V2 model. This stroller is lightweight, practical, and surprisingly robust. Furthermore, the great news is that the brand's after-sales service is now available in Portugal, making this option even more secure for families.
Although it is an ultra-compact stroller, the folded Uppababy Minu V2 has slightly larger cabin measurements (L41 × H55 × W34). Even so, it easily fits into any car model, making it practical for car travel.
One of the major highlights is its rubber wheels — a rare feature in this segment. While many brands use plastic wheels, Uppababy opts for more resistant and comfortable materials, showing attention to detail that makes a difference in parents' daily lives and the baby's well-being.
The Minu V2 is compatible with the Uppababy bassinet, which is a great advantage over other compact models. Instead of a micro bassinet, babies can enjoy a more spacious and comfortable bassinet, ideal for the first months of life.
Additionally, by using adapters for other car seats, it is compatible with baby car seat brands (infant carriers) such as BeSafe, Maxi-Cosi, Britax-Römer, and Cybex.
Although the Minu V2 is an all-in-one stroller, meaning a travel system that can be used from birth, it is more popular during the summer. Furthermore, it's excellent to note that the stroller has a brake and release specially designed for those who wear open-toed shoes in warmer weather, ensuring safety and comfort.
Another detail that gives the Minu V2 extra comfort is the almost millimetric recline adjustments. This means you don't have to settle for a position that's too upright or too reclined, offering more possibilities for the baby's comfort at any time.
With a seat back height of 47 cm, the Minu V2 has an overall length of 81 cm, including the footrest, giving it a normal size within its segment. Furthermore, it is approved for up to 22 kg, and among all the ultra-compact strollers I tested, I confess it was the easiest to maneuver, even with weight.
The Uppababy Minu 2 baby stroller folds and unfolds easily with one hand, making it suitable for when you're out with your baby alone. Although it's a bit on the heavier side for its segment (weighing 7.2kg instead of 6kg), it compensates with the quality of materials it delivers.
The Uppababy Minu 2 takes 3rd place in the ranking of the best ultra-compact baby strollers for children up to 3/4 years old, mainly due to two main limitations: the shorter seat and the higher weight compared to preceding models like the Joolz Aer 2 and the Stokke YOYO 3. However, it offers a very generous quality-price ratio, as it includes an armrest and a leg rest — a more than deserved third place.
For these reasons, the Uppababy Minu 2 secures a solid place in the top 5. Although it is not the most compact or the lightest, it is a very interesting option for those looking for a robust, functional stroller prepared to accompany the baby's growth, with multiple configuration possibilities. It can be used with a bassinet, with a car seat (infant carrier), or as a main stroller from birth, which makes it a versatile solution for families looking for a more complete model from the start.
Nuna TRVL Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Nuna TRVL LX Ultra-Compact Baby Stroller Table
| ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Can be used from birth with the Nuna Lytl or Arra bassinet | Bassinet and adapters sold separately |
| Fully reclining seat, ideal for naps | The most upright position of the backrest is not completely vertical |
| Easy one-hand folding and unfolding system | Seat is not removable, making cleaning difficult |
| Rear suspension for greater comfort on strolls | Needs an additional cover (e.g., AeroMoov) to improve ventilation |
| "Open-toe friendly" brake, easy to use and doesn't damage footwear | Weight of 7.5 kg, less light than other ultra-compact models |
| Very padded seat and quality fabric | — |
Nuna TRVL LX Stroller Review
Opening the Nuna TRVL Lx is simple and intuitive: just slide the handle used to close it again, push, and the stroller opens easily. Thus, it becomes practical for daily use, even with just one hand.
The seat of the Nuna TRVL Lx is highly padded, ensuring exceptional comfort for the child. Additionally, the fabric used is of very good quality. However, a disadvantage of this model is that the seat is not removable, which can be an inconvenience for second-hand strollers, where ease of cleaning is essential.
However, if you really like the Nuna TRVL Lx, there's a simple solution: you can opt for a cover, like the AeroMoov, which promotes air circulation and can be easily removed for machine washing. This way, you can overcome the situation, although it requires purchasing an additional accessory.
Analyzing the positions of the Nuna TRVL Lx stroller, we can observe that, in its most upright position, it is not completely vertical but has a slight recline. Although it does not reach a 90º angle, which would be ideal for smaller babies who prefer to sit upright, this position is still comfortable for everyday use.
If you prefer to recline, simply pull the small button, allowing you to adjust the stroller easily and effectively. When reclined, the seat offers a completely flat position, which is a great advantage, as some models we previously analyzed do not have this functionality.
Regarding suspension, this model features rear suspension, which contributes to a smoother ride. Additionally, the brake is a positive highlight. Unlike many strollers in the same segment, the Nuna TRVL Lx includes a "foot-friendly" brake – meaning it can be easily engaged and disengaged with a simple tap, without damaging footwear.
To use the TRVL Lx from birth, the Nuna Lytl carrycot is the lightest and most practical, offering useful accessories such as sun protection, side ventilation, and storage space. You can also use the Nuna Arra carrycot, which fits the same adapters (sold separately).
Alternatively, the stroller is compatible with car seats from the brands Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Joy, BeSafe, Britax Römer, Cybex and Besafe, provided you use Nuna’s TRVL adapters. However, avoid using the car seat for long strolls, as the Nuna Trvl Lx was designed for car travel, not for the baby’s daily comfort. Whenever possible, opt for the carrycot.
The Nuna TRVL Lx ranks fourth for being slightly heavier and bulkier due to its larger wheels. Even so, it remains light compared to most strollers with seats, many of which exceed 12kg. A practical and robust choice.
Maxi-Cosi Soho Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Maxi-Cosi Soho ultra-compact baby stroller table
| ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Includes XL canopy, armrest and integrated footrest | Not compatible with carrycot |
| Spacious and fully reclinable seat | Can only be used with an infant car seat from birth |
| Large wheels (21cm rear, 18cm front), ideal for urban strolls | Accessories like rain cover, adapters, and carrycot sold separately |
| Comfortable for taller individuals, thanks to its adjustable design | Less practical basket access |
| Brake with “open-toe friendly” system and four-wheel suspension | Slightly bulkier compared to ultra-compact models |
| “Peek-a-boo” window for ventilation and visual contact with baby | — |
When you open the box of the Maxi-Cosi Soho, you’ll find everything you need to start using the stroller: canopy, armrest, integrated footrest, and wheels included. Additionally, it’s important to note that you can purchase some additional accessories separately.
The rain cover, car seat adapters, cup holder, and carrycot are not included, but can be purchased separately according to the family's needs.
The Maxi-Cosi Soho stroller is an excellent option as a second stroller, especially for taller individuals, offering comfort due to its adjustable design.
The Maxi-Cosi Soho features larger wheels than most models in this segment (21 cm at the rear and 18 cm at the front) and a spacious seat (56 cm long and 37 cm wide), thus offering practicality and comfort for urban strolls.
First, the Maxi-Cosi Soho fully reclines thanks to a practical closing system, which allows the baby to rest in full comfort. Additionally, the brand equips the stroller with an XL canopy that offers excellent sun protection and includes a "peek-a-boo" window for added ventilation.
The Maxi-Cosi Soho's basket, while not the most accessible, has good capacity for strollers in this segment, making it a practical option for daily use. The stroller includes a brake with a foot system, which makes it easy to use in summer, and four-wheel suspension, ensuring greater comfort during strolls.
This stroller comes in fifth place because, despite offering greater comfort in its wheels – ideal for strolling on our sidewalks – it loses points for not being compatible with a carrycot. The only option from birth is to use an infant car seat, which is not the most recommended for long periods. In other words, it gains in stability but compromises on comfort and versatility during the early stages of use.
What are ultra-compact baby strollers?
Ultra-compact baby strollers, or XS baby strollers, are a segment of baby strollers that were invented/created by the Babyzen brand with their YOYO model. Babyzen started by creating the YOYO baby stroller as a second baby stroller and as a truly lightweight and compact option.
15 years ago, compact or second-stage strollers were called umbrella strollers, and Maclaren Baby was the market leader.
The Babyzen YOYO revolutionized the ultra-compact stroller segment, not so much by its weight—there were already lighter Maclaren models—but by its reduced volume when folded, allowing it to be carried as airplane cabin luggage. It didn't take three years for the Babyzen YOYO to become a sales success and quickly transform into a travel system or the concept of an all-in-one ultra-compact stroller.
The success of ultra-compact strollers is linked to parents' urban lifestyles. Today, people look for a stroller that is lightweight, easy to fold, and performs well on public transport and in small spaces. Additionally, it's ideal if it's easy to carry upstairs and store in apartments with limited space.
These types of strollers are characterized by being lightweight (under 8kg), compact (for airplane cabin or to fit in any car model), and easy to fold (although many fail in this characteristic).
Why and for whom are ultra-compact baby strollers suitable?
Ultra-compact strollers are ideal for those living in urban environments, where daily mobility and lack of space are constant challenges. Additionally, these strollers offer a practical and versatile solution, potentially eliminating the need to buy a second stroller. This way, families make a smart choice, investing in a model that combines functionality and convenience, suitable for different stages of the baby's growth.
