5 best ultra-compact strollers for summer holidays – 2025
5 best ultra-compact strollers for summer holidays (2025)
Are you looking for the perfect travel stroller this summer? This article lists the 5 best ultra-compact strollers, ideal for taking on holiday or even as carry-on luggage on plane trips. The selection considered what truly matters to parents: lightness, ease of use, comfort, and practical dimensions.
Throughout the article, you'll find a clear summary of each model's advantages, highlighting its performance in real travel situations.
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Quick conclusion: the best ultra-compact stroller for 2025 is the Joolz Aer2, thanks to its lightness, practicality, and smart design.
Index
- Joolz Aer2 €469 (video review)
- Bugaboo Butterfly €459 (video review)
- Stokke YOYO 3 €469 (video review)
- UPPAbaby Minu V2 €375 (video review)
- Inglesina Quid 3 €299 (video review)
Joolz Aer2 Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Table of the Joolz Aer2 ultra-compact stroller
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ 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 to 4 years | |
| ✅ Approved for use as airplane cabin baggage | |
| ✅ 10-year warranty |
Review of the Joolz Aer2 ultra-compact stroller
The Joolz Aer2 is the number 1 ultra-compact stroller for summer holidays. It folds and unfolds with one hand, weighs only 6.5 kg, and is cabin-size. Despite being compact, it functions as a trio and is ideal from birth up to 4 years. It is also the model with the longest seat in its segment, designed for taller babies.
XS strollers are widely used during holidays and summer, so having a good canopy is crucial to protect the baby from UV rays. The Joolz Aer 2 stroller features an XL, ventilated canopy with UPF50+.
Also regarding summer, the Joolz Aer2 ultra-compact stroller comes with a friendly brake and release mechanism suitable for open footwear.
Next, the seat stands out, continuing to use recyclable fabrics, but with a more ergonomic design. The seat has increased depth in the hip area to ensure correct posture for the baby and prevent slipping.
Additionally, the seat fully reclines, offering three different recline positions, increasing comfort at various stages. It is designed to accommodate 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 approximately 4 years of age, ensuring long-term durability and comfort.
The front bar of the Joolz Aer 2 has been redesigned and is higher for greater comfort for tall people. Furthermore, it offers more legroom, preventing kicks while pushing.
Another highlight is the new front bar attachment system, which allows for assembly and disassembly by pressing a single button on one side.
On the other hand, the carrycot of the Joolz Aer 2 offers a comfortable and secure 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 attached, standing upright for easy storage.
If the Joolz Aer 2 is out of budget, the Joolz Aer+ is a great alternative — and this summer it has discounts up to 25%. It remains a high-quality, lightweight, and easy-to-use ultra-compact stroller. Compared to the Aer 2, it lacks the included footrest, the more ergonomic seat, and a slightly smaller basket. Still, the Aer+ remains an excellent choice for holidays.
The Joolz Aer2 earns the top spot for its unbeatable combination of lightness, practicality, and durability. It was designed to make parents' lives easier: it folds and unfolds 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 just the first child, but also the second and even the third.
Bugaboo Butterfly Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Table of the Bugaboo Butterfly ultra-compact stroller
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Volume 23*43*53 cm (According to IATA standards for cabin luggage) | ❌Armrest included |
| ✅Material quality | ❌Non-reversible seat |
| ✅One-hand fold | ❌Weight 7.2kg |
| ✅One-hand unfold | ❌Travel bag not included |
| ✅ XL canopy with peekaboos | |
| ✅Compatible with car seats from various brands (by purchasing Bugaboo Butterfly adapters) | |
| ✅ Rubber wheels | |
| ✅Footrest included | |
| ✅Rain cover included | |
| ✅Removable seat cover for machine washing |
Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller Review
The Dutch brand Bugaboo is one of the oldest in the market and is known for its excellently functional and high-quality strollers designed for parents' daily lives. One of Bugaboo's premium features, which makes it envied by competitors, is the quality they put not only into the chassis structure but especially into the quality of the wheels they've managed to integrate into their strollers.
For transport, you can use the handle or, alternatively, the footrest as a handle. However, as the handle is quite short, taller people may feel some discomfort when carrying it on their shoulder.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is, par excellence, a second stroller ideal for plane travel or city life and is one of my favorites. However, it is not compatible with a carrycot or a newborn nest reducer, which limits its use from birth. In other words, it could only be used with a car seat or infant carrier — which is not recommended for long periods.
The Bugaboo Butterfly stroller box includes: an XL extendable sun canopy, a rain cover, a leg rest, and a removable seat liner. However, the bumper bar is sold separately for €49.95.
The Butterfly is IATA approved, meaning it meets the allowed dimensions for cabin baggage: 53 cm high, 43 cm wide, and 23 cm deep. In terms of weight, it totals 7.2 kg—slightly above other ultra-compact strollers, which range between 5 and 7 kg. However, this extra weight translates into a more robust, stable, and durable structure.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is ideal for summer: it has a brake designed for open footwear, good suspension, an XL sun canopy with sun protection, and it opens and closes with one hand. It only doesn't take 1st place because it's not as versatile as the Joolz Aer 2. The Aer 2 can transform into a complete travel system with a carrycot or infant car seat, ideal for a second child. The Butterfly is a dedicated second stroller—but, in that role, it's one of the best available.
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 holiday |
| ✅ Extendable seat (47 cm to 53 cm), adapting to baby's growth | ❌ Footrest sold separately, increasing total cost |
| ✅ Easy-to-adjust seat recline | ❌ Does not recline fully flat |
| ✅ Excellent handling in urban areas and on 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 lightest. It's 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 isn't as intuitive as other models. While it may be possible to open it with just one hand, it requires some force. To close it, two hands are definitely needed. In a holiday context, where practicality is essential, this detail can make a difference.
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 major new features is the new XL canopy, now with wider sun coverage and a ventilation zone at the back, which allows for better air circulation and greater comfort for the baby on warmer days.
There have also been important updates to the seat. The backrest is now 47 cm high, and can be extended to 53 cm, representing a significant improvement in comfort and ergonomics as the baby grows. The seat width is 28 cm, which keeps the stroller light and compact, although it is 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 fully flat recline, which may be a limitation for those who want a stroller that allows for prolonged naps in a completely flat position.
Where the YOYO 3 falls short compared to the Joolz Aer 2 and the Bugaboo Butterfly is in the seat size. While the first two have spacious seats, designed to accommodate children up to 3 or 4 years old, the YOYO 3 has a significantly shorter seat. Therefore, it will be more suitable for children up to 2 years old, being less versatile in the long term.
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Ultra Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Ultra Compact Baby Stroller Table
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ✅ Rubber wheels | ❌ Volume 34*55*43 cm |
| ✅ Material quality | ❌ Non-reversible seat |
| ✅ One-hand fold | ❌ Weight 7.2kg |
| ✅ One-hand open | ❌ Travel bag not included |
| ✅ XL canopy with peekaboo window | |
| ✅ 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 | |
| ✅ Bumper bar included |
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Stroller Review
The American brand UPPAbaby stands out for the exceptional quality of its strollers and takes 4th place in the ranking of the best ultra-compact strollers for summer 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 an even safer option for families.
Although it is an ultra-compact stroller, the closed Uppababy Minu V2 has slightly larger dimensions for cabin luggage (L41 × H55 × W34). Still, it easily fits into any car model, making it practical for car travel.
One of the major highlights is the rubber wheels—a rare detail in this segment. While many brands use plastic wheels, Uppababy invests in more resistant and comfortable materials, showing attention to details that make a difference in parents' daily lives and the baby's well-being.
The Minu V2 is compatible with the Uppababy carrycot, which is a great advantage over other compact models. Instead of a micro carrycot, babies can enjoy a more spacious and comfortable carrycot, ideal for the first few months of life.
Additionally, by using adapters for other car seats, it is compatible with infant car seat brands 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's true that this type of stroller is more popular during the summer. Furthermore, it's excellent to note that the stroller has a brake and release specifically designed for those wearing open footwear in the warmer season, ensuring safety and comfort.
Another detail that gives the Minu V2 extra comfort is its almost millimeter-precise recline adjustments. This means you don't have to settle for a position that's too upright or too reclined, offering more possibilities for your baby's comfort at any time.
With a 47 cm high backrest, the Minu V2 has an overall length of 81 cm, including the footmuff, giving it a standard dimension within its segment. Furthermore, it is approved for up to 22 kg, and among all the ultra-compact strollers I've tried, I must admit it was the easiest to maneuver even with weight.
The Uppababy Minu 2 stroller folds and unfolds easily with one hand, making it suitable for when we're out with our baby alone. Although it's a bit bulky for its segment (weighing 7.2kg instead of 6kg), it makes up for it in the quality of materials it delivers.
The Uppababy Minu 2 ranks fourth among the best ultra-compact strollers for summer, mainly due to two key limitations: its shorter seat and heavier weight compared to its predecessors, such as the Joolz Aer 2, Bugaboo Butterfly, and Stokke YOYO 3.
For these reasons, the Uppababy Minu 2 secures a solid place in the top 5. Although not the most compact or the lightest, it is a very interesting option for those looking for a robust, functional stroller ready to accompany the baby's growth, with multiple configuration possibilities. It can be used with a bassinet, with a car seat (infant car seat), or as a main stroller from birth, making it a versatile solution for families looking for a more complete model from the start.
Inglesina Quid 3 Ultra-Compact Stroller (video review)
Video review ⬇️
Table of the Inglesina Quid 3 ultra-compact baby stroller
| ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ultra-compact and very light (6.4 kg) | ❌ Larger folded dimensions than some competitors |
| ✅ Easy folding | ❌ Does not include bassinet (sold separately) |
| ✅ Elegant and modern design | ❌ Backrest reclines up to 170°, but not fully flat |
| ✅ XL canopy with UPF 50+ protection and 3D ventilation window | ❌ Storage basket with limited capacity (up to 5 kg) |
| ✅ Front wheels with suspension, good impact absorption | ❌ May not be ideal for very uneven terrain |
| ✅ Approved for use in airplane cabin | |
| ✅ Comfortable and reclinable seat |
Inglesina Quid 3 Stroller Review
What's included with the stroller: the seat, the extendable canopy, the armrest, and the adjustable footrest. Regarding the armrest, it is positioned slightly further forward than the natural area where the baby would rest their arms. Although it's not exactly at arm level, it doesn't pose a significant problem in using the stroller.
Among the accessories for the ultra-compact stroller sold separately, highlights include the rain cover (€46), the transport bag for easy storage, and the summer liner, with breathable and comfortable fabric, available for around €39. You can also purchase the Baby Snug, although I only recommend it for babies who already sit facing forward, not for newborns.
An interesting detail — and often overlooked by other brands — is the anti-slip and more durable fabric in the area where the baby rests their feet. This choice increases the stroller's durability.
Inglesina designed the Quid 3 to be lightweight and compact, making it perfect for parents looking for practicality in everyday life and when traveling. With a lightweight of 6.78 kg, it is easy to transport and maneuver, even in busy urban environments. This Quid 3 stroller is suitable for babies up to 22kg.
With a padded seat and soft fabric, the Quid 3 offers ergonomic comfort, an adjustable footrest, and high-quality finishes for all stages.
In terms of parent comfort, it has a very comfortable ergonomic handle, making it easy to steer even on long walks. In addition, it is also a comfortable stroller for tall people.
The harness is super easy to adjust and fits practically into the different holes, adapting to the baby's growth. However, one point that Inglesina could improve is the shoulder height adjustment, which in the Quid 3 is still done manually between two available positions.
An interesting detail is the Inglesina Quid 3 brake, designed to be easily operated even with open-toed shoes, great for summer.
Inglesina designed the Quid 3 to make parents' lives easier. It can even be folded with one hand, standing on its own after being folded.
It also has an additional breathable zone at the back of the canopy, which is especially useful on hot days. In a summer context, this extra ventilation allows for better air circulation, helping to keep the baby cooler and more comfortable in the Inglesina Quid 3.
The Inglesina Quid 3 ranks fifth in the top ultra-compact strollers for summer holidays, not due to lack of quality, but because it is slightly larger than the other options presented. However, despite its size, it remains extremely light and easy to maneuver, making it very practical for everyday 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 due to its weight—there were already lighter Maclaren models—but because of its reduced folded volume, allowing it to be carried in an airplane cabin. It didn't take 3 years for the BabyZen YOYO to become a sales success and quickly transform into a trio 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 light, easy to fold, and works well on public transport and in small spaces. Additionally, it's ideal if it's easy to carry up stairs and store in small apartments.
These types of strollers are characterized by being lightweight (under 8kg), compact (for airplane cabins or to fit in any car model), and easy to fold (although many fail on this characteristic).
Why or for whom are ultra-compact baby strollers
Ultra-compact baby strollers are ideal for those living in urban environments, where daily mobility and lack of space are constant challenges. Furthermore, these strollers offer a practical and versatile solution that can eliminate the need to buy a second stroller. Thus, families make a smart choice, investing in a model that combines functionality and convenience, suitable for different stages of the baby's growth.
