Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel stroll look at the fold, storage, recline, and canopy. You can also look for accessories such as a footmuff or coffee cup holder, as well as rain covers.

If you're jet-setting often make sure you choose a model which is cabin-approved and folds compactly. Our parent tester says the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its one-hand mechanism makes it easy to fold when juggling a toddler.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair folds easily and compactly to fit into luggage or the boot of a car. They are designed to be used with infants from birth and usually come with the option to attach a car seat to them, although adaptors will be required. Some are also suitable for toddlers, making them a good option for day and holiday excursions.

There are a variety of travel pushchairs available and you must pick the one that is suitable for your family. If you have a toddler you may prefer a buggy with a footrest that is removable to stop the legs of the child from hanging. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space you will need, as this can be a major factor when choosing a pushchair.

If you're jet-setting often and need a small buggy that fits in the cabin baggage allowance, look for one that folds to around 48cm x43cm and 21.5 cm - which is less than the average size of hand luggage. A model with an intelligent dynamic fold will be even easier to pack away, since it can fold up like the pages of a book.

A car seat bundle is another option. This will save you time and money by allowing you to focus on the components that are compatible. Brand bundles typically include a pushchair with a car seat that are specifically designed to match in terms of style and comfort. Some brands provide additional features such as cup holders or a parent organizers, which can be useful when traveling.

Certain brands offer additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover to transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are especially useful if you have older children and need an area to sit comfortably while travelling.

Easy to fold

A travel pushchair must be simple to fold and maneuver particularly if you'll have to do it in tight spaces, such as the cabin of a train or plane. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with an easy-to-use mechanism that our testers for parents found incredibly simple to use. This makes it ideal for parents who want to take their child with them on flights as well as local excursions and day excursions.

A travel system bundle is another option. It includes the car seat and pushchair from the same manufacturer. This allows you to be sure that the car seat will fit your pushchair twin and fit on the chassis you've selected for your baby. These bundles are often less expensive than purchasing each piece separately. However, it is crucial to ensure that the components are compatible before you buy.

If you plan to use your travel pushchair on rough terrain, choose something with a sturdy base with large and wide wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to maneuver on any other surface than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are beneficial, as your baby can face you initially and then turn to see the world as they grow older.

You'll have to determine whether your pushchair will provide the protection you need depending on the season you plan to travel. A sunshade protects your baby from harmful UV rays, and raincovers will stop water or snow from entering the pushchair. Make sure you buy a rain cover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair, and not a generic one.

A lightweight and compact design are essential requirements for any pushchair - however, this is especially applicable to travel pushchairs, which must be able fold up easily to a tiny size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds on the market and is able to be stored in overhead compartments of some airlines (although not all). The Bugaboo Butterfly was a comfortable ride for our tester's parents and her toddler. It offers large reclining seats that are reclining and of top prams quality.

Easy to Manoeuvre

It's essential to be able fold and move the pushchair quickly and easily when you're navigating busy train or bus stations with a child sleeping. This will allow you to get on and off the vehicle without disturbing your baby. Look for models with smooth swivel wheels at the front, which makes it easier to move and turn your stroller.

Travel prams pushchairs prams usually come with smaller wheels, which makes them lighter and smaller. However should you be looking for something to take on rough terrain or cross the beach, then opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.

Some retailers and brands offer travel system bundles which include the car seat, pushchair and any additional extras you may require. This is a great option if you are aware of what you require and don't fancy spending hours searching for compatible parts. Always check that the components you are buying will work in conjunction before purchasing any travel bundle. Some brands make this information available on the internet or you can contact an agent for assistance.

Easy to store

If you're planning to put a travel pushchair in the boot of your car or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be small and foldable. It's also beneficial to have an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it in one hand Infant Carriages - this is particularly helpful when your child is asleep!

Think about how often you'll utilize the pushchair, and what terrain you will be covering when choosing one. Some travel buggies, for instance, are only suitable for walking around town on smooth roads. They won't work well on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to travel off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure that it has a suspension as well as larger wheels that can take on more rough terrain.

If you are planning to use it from the time of birth, then you should consider a stroller that comes with a newborn bag. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, featuring a clever one-hand fold and plenty of add-ons including a newborn bassinet with a rain cover as well as an extremely comfortable foot muff.

If you only plan to use it for brief vacations and trips it is possible to choose a travel stroll equipped with a car-seat adaptor which can be attached onto the chassis. This will allow you to keep your child in their car seat for the majority of the journey. Many travel systems bundles include car seats, but you can create your own custom bundle if you'd like.

Consider how much you will make use of each item when you choose a travel set. You'll need to consider the cost of a base to attach your car seat to your pushchair and any adaptors you may need. These can be found online or in stores - some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it easy to design your perfect travel system!