Buying a Travel Pushchair

When purchasing a travel stroll, you should consider the fold, storage, recline and canopy. You should also look for additional features like a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.

If you're frequently traveling pick a model that's cabin-approved and folds up compactly. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist is perfect for this. Its one-hand mechanism makes it easy to fold while trying to manage a toddler.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair can be folded easily and compactly to fit in luggage or the trunk of a car. They are designed for use with infants from birth and usually come with the option of attaching carseats to them however adapters will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or on holidays.

There are a variety of travel pushchairs on market, so it's important to determine which one will be right for your family. If you have a toddler you might want to consider a buggy with a removable foot rest to prevent the legs of the child from hanging. It is also important to think about how much storage space you'll require for your child, as this could be a big factor when choosing a pushchair.

If you're frequently traveling and want a compact buggy that fits within the cabin baggage allowance Choose a model that folds down to around 48cm x43cm in size 21.5 cm - which is less than the typical size of hand luggage. A model that has an innovative fold that is dynamic is much easier to pack away, since it will be able to snap in on itself like a paperback book.

A vehicle seat bundle is a different option. This will save time and money, making it easier to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. A brand bundle usually includes a pushchair and car seat that have been specifically designed to match each other in terms of style and comfort. Some brands include extras like a cup holder or parent organizer, which are useful for traveling.

Some brands sell additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover to convert your travel pushchair to twin pushchair pushchairs prams or a double buggy. These are especially useful when you have children who are older and need an area to sit comfortably when travelling.

Folding is easy

Travel pushchairs should be simple to fold, particularly in tight spaces such as the cabin of a train or airplane. The Joie Pact Pro, which is a one-handed fold mechanism that our parents test discovered to be extremely simple to use, is a great example. This makes it perfect for parents who plan to take their baby with them on air travel as well as local excursions and day trips.

Another alternative is a travel system bundle that includes a pushchair and infant car seats from the same brand. You can be certain that the car seat will fit inside your pushchair and work with the chassis that you've chosen for your child. These kinds of bundles can be more affordable than buying the items separately, but it's important to check whether the items you're looking to purchase are compatible before making a purchase.

If you plan to use your pushchair for travel on rough terrain, look for something that has a solid base with wide and large wheels that can cope with bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels can be difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are also beneficial, as your child can be facing you initially, and then turn around to see the world as they grow older.

Depending on the season you plan to travel, you'll also have to consider whether your stroller will offer the protection against weather that you require. A sunshade to help protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays, and a rain cover that stops water or snow from getting into the pushchair are essential features. You should buy a raincover that is specifically designed for the model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.

The final requirement is that the pushchair should be light and compact. This is especially important for travel pushchairs that must be able to fold down to a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folding pushchair options on the market and can be stored in overhead compartments of some airlines (although not all). Our parent tester found it extremely comfortable to travel in with her toddler with a large and well-constructed seat unit that reclines for comfortable naps.

Easy to Manoeuvre

If you're trying to navigate trains or buses with a baby sleeping and need to fold and move your pushchair with ease so that you can easily get on and off without disturbing your little one is essential. Look for models with smooth pivoting front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your pushchair effortlessly.

Travel pushchairs generally have smaller wheels to make them smaller and lighter. However If you're looking for a product to take on rougher terrain or to traverse the beach, choose a model with larger, more robust wheels.

Some brands and retailers offer travel system bundles which include the pushchair, car seat and any other accessories you may require. This is a great option if you have a clear idea of what you want and don't fancy spending hours looking for push chairs and Prams parts that are compatible. Make sure the components you buy work together 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

A pushchair that folds down small and compact is essential if you're looking to find something to put in the back of your car or fit into an overhead bin on an airplane. It's also helpful if the pushchair is equipped with a harness for the shoulder to allow you to hold it with one hand, especially when your child is asleep!

When choosing a travel pushchair, take into account the frequency you'll use it and the kind of terrain you'll have to cover. For example, some travel buggies are designed for a stroll around town or on smooth pavements, and will not perform well off the road or on the beach. If you're planning to travel off-road and need a more rugged buggy, ensure it is equipped with a suspension and larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.

Another thing to consider is whether you'll need it from birth - if so, look for a buggy that has a newborn pack or a bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, with a genius one-hand fold, and a variety of add-ons including a newborn bassinet, a rain cover and the most comfortable foot muff.

If you're certain you'll only use it for short shopping trips, look for a pushchair that has an adaptor for carseats that fixes onto the chassis so that you can keep your little one in their comfortable car seat for most of the journey. Many travel system bundles come with a car seat already fitted however, you can build your own custom bundle if that's what you prefer.

When you're choosing the right travel system, keep in your mind that it's likely to cost more than buying the components separately, so consider how much use you'll get from each component. Also, you'll need to consider the cost of the base of your car seat and any adaptors that you might require to connect it to the pushchair. These can be found at stores or online Certain brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it easy to design your perfect travel system!