What stroller is best for traveling with a newborn?

When you're travelling with a newborn, the ideal stroller needs to tick several boxes:

1.Flat or near-flat lie-down: Babies under six months still need their spine and neck well supported. A safe sleep surface is critical.

2. Compact and light: Airports, taxis, trains, narrow pavements. The smaller and lighter the stroller, the better.

3. Fast, simple transitions: Whether it's getting from car to pram or folding up for storage or transit, ease of conversion and quick pack-up saves real stress.

4. Safety and comfort: Good ventilation, sun and weather protection, sturdy suspension or wheels, and a newborn-friendly insert or sleeping surface are key.

5. Adaptability from birth: “From birth” is great, but how that is delivered, such as a true bassinet, a soft nest, or a seat with recline, really matters when travelling.

With those principles in mind, let’s compare four top travel-pram options available through Thursday’s Child Rental.

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1. Stokke YOYO 3 Bassinet

What it offers
The YOYO 3 is one of the most compact travel strollers out there. With the Bassinet add-on you get a firm, flat sleeping surface complete with mattress. It offers excellent ventilation and refined suspension (“Soft Drive”) for smoother movement.

Strengths

Very portable, ideal for tight spaces, carry-on flights or small car boots.

A true bassinet gives baby a safe, flat-sleep environment. It also doubles as a mobile sleep pod in a hotel or holiday flat.

Stylish, modern, and practical for travel.

Considerations

The bassinet adds bulk and removes the ability to fold into a 'cabin approved' stroller.

Not ideal over very rough terrain.

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2. Stokke YOYO 3 Newborn Pack

What it offers
A softer newborn nest fitted into the YOYO 3 frame. It retains the super-compact fold of the stroller and is lighter and more flexible than the bassinet.

Strengths

Maintains maximum portability. You won’t lose the compact fold even with newborn pack attached.

Easier to carry and manoeuvre than with the bassinet. Very useful when travelling light or moving often.

Considerations

Less rigid and firm than a true bassinet. This might matter for longer naps or newborn posture.

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3. Bugaboo Butterfly 2 with Baby Nest

What it offers
The Butterfly 2 is built with travel in mind. It has a one-second ultra-compact fold, larger wheels, and better suspension than some ultra-light models. With a Baby Nest accessory, it can be made newborn-friendly.

Strengths

Quick folding and unfolding is fantastic when you're juggling luggage and baby.

The larger wheels and suspension make it more forgiving on mixed terrain. It is great for cobblestones, ferry ramps or bumpy pavements.

Stylish, robust, and versatile.

Considerations

Slightly less compact than the YOYO 3 in tight spaces, depending on configuration.

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4. Doona X Car Seat & Stroller

What it offers
The Doona X is a hybrid car seat and stroller in one. It converts from car seat to stroller with a single motion, without needing to transfer baby or wheels. It weighs about 8.3 kg and meets the European i-Size safety standard (R-129). There are three recline settings, Sit, Relax, and Lean Back, including a near-flat recline. Additional features include side-impact protection add-ons, a smooth release wheel system, and a usable “pull-along” handle when in stroller mode.

Strengths

Unmatched convenience, as there is no need to carry a separate car seat and stroller or switch baby between them.

Ideal for parents who want to minimise gear, especially for short hops, city travel, taxis, or flights.

Great safety credentials with a certified car seat, shock absorbers, side-impact protection and a solid recline range.

Portable and compact, and very easy to move between vehicle and sidewalk with minimal fuss.

Considerations

Heavier than ultra-light strollers, although still quite portable. It doesn’t fold flat like the YOYO 3 or Butterfly because the wheels remain integrated.

Less “sleep pod” feel than a bassinet or deeper nest-style stroller. In car seat mode the recline is limited.

If long naps or prolonged strolling or sleep outdoors are expected, a dedicated bassinet or nest might be more comfortable for baby.

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Which one should you hire from Thursday’s Child?

Here are a few travel-scenario-based recommendations:

 

In short, if your top priority is absolute equipment minimalism and seamless transitions from car to stroller, the Doona X is the winner. If maximum portability and cabin-locker size is your priority, the YOYO 3 with Newborn Pack still leads the pack. For baby sleep comfort and smoother wheels over varied surfaces, the YOYO 3 Bassinet or Bugaboo Butterfly 2 with nest both make strong cases.

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A few tips for parents hiring a travel pram

Don't forget the accessories. Simple additions like a SnoozeShade or Pram Fan can add much needed comfort to your & your little ones travel experience.

Plan for your itinerary’s terrain. The Doona X is fantastic for taxi drop-offs or paved promenades, but if you’ll be exploring uneven cobbles or beaches, a better-suspended stroller might save your back and baby’s peace.

Think about sleep arrangements. Will baby nap mostly indoors, indoors to outdoors, or outdoors on the move? If you expect a lot of strolling or outdoor naps, a deeper nest or bassinet gives more comfort.

Try folding, lifting and transferring before departure. Even small differences in gear make big differences when baby is asleep or luggage is involved.

Bring rain or sun protection and plan for contingencies. Even the best travel pram can struggle if there’s heavy rain, strong sun, or unexpected weather. A rain cover, good canopy, or sunshade extension can be essential.