Buying a Travel Pushchair
When buying a travel pushchair take into consideration things like the fold and recline, storage space and canopy. You can also look for accessories such as a footmuff or coffee cup holder, and rain covers.
If you frequently travel you should consider a model that has a a compact fold and that is cabin-approved. Our parent tester says the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its one-hand mechanism makes it easy to fold when you are juggling toddlers.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a small, lightweight stroller that folds easily and compactly so it can be put in luggage for a flight or put in the boot of the car. They are made to be used with babies at birth and are often equipped with the option of attaching an infant car seat however adapters will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and are used for day trips or holidays.
There are a variety of travel pushchairs which is why you should select the best one for your family. For example, if you have an infant, you may prefer to get a buggy that has a removable leg rest to ensure that the child's feet won't hang. When choosing a stroller, it is essential to think about how much storage space you'll need.
If you're an avid traveler and require an ultra-compact buggy that can fit into your baggage allowance for cabin travel, choose a model which folds down to a size of 48cm x 43cm x 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. If you choose one with an innovative, fluid folding system, it's easier to pack, as the buggy can fold in on itself, like an old book.
Another good alternative is to purchase an automobile seat bundle, which will help you save time searching for compatible components and money. Brand bundles typically include a pushchair along with a car seat that is specifically designed to be compatible in terms of style and comfort. Some brands include extras such as cups holder or parent organizer, which are useful when traveling.
Certain brands also offer a variety of add-ons, such as a newborn bassinet and rain cover, to allow you to transform your travel pushchair into a double buggy, or twin travel pushchair. These are particularly handy if you have older siblings and you want to ensure they have a comfortable place to sit while travelling.
Easy to fold
A travel pushchair must be easy to fold and manoeuvre - especially if you'll need to fold it into tight spaces, such as the cabin of a plane or train. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with one-handed operation that our testers for parents found to be extremely simple to use. This makes it perfect pram for newborn parents who want to take their baby along with them on air travel as well as local excursions and day excursions.
Another good alternative is a travel system bundle that incorporates an baby car seat from the same manufacturer. This allows you to ensure that the car seat is compatible with your pushchair and work with the model you've selected for your baby. The bundles can be less expensive than purchasing each piece separately. However, it is essential to ensure that the components work together before purchasing.
If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain, choose a model with a solid base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and bumps. Smaller wheels are harder to control on anything except smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are also useful, as your child can be facing you initially and then pivot to explore the world around them as they get older.
Depending on the season you're planning to travel strollers you'll need to think about whether your pushchair can provide the protection against weather you require. A sunshade to help protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays, and a rain cover to stop water or snow from getting into the pushchair are important features. You should purchase a raincover that is specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair and not a generic one.
A lightweight and compact design is a crucial requirements for any pushchair - but this is particularly true of travel pushchairs, which need to be able to fold away easily to a tiny size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds on the market and can be stored in overhead luggage compartments of some airlines (although not all). Our testers with parents found it really comfortable to travel in with her toddler, with a spacious and high-quality seat that reclines to provide a comfortable nap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
If you're traveling through busy train or bus stations with a sleeping baby, being able to fold and move your stroller easily so that you can get on and off without disturbing your little one is essential. Find models with smooth swivel wheels that are on the front to make it easier to move and turn your pushchair.
Travel pushchairs usually have smaller wheels to keep them lighter and smaller. However, if you are seeking a model to use on rougher terrain or to traverse the beach, select a model that has larger, more robust wheels.
Some retailers and brands offer travel systems that include the pushchair, car seats and any extras you may need. This is a great option if you are aware of what you require and don't fancy spending hours looking for parts that are compatible. Always check that the components you are buying will work in conjunction before purchasing any travel stroller bundle. Certain brands provide this information on the internet or you can contact an agent for assistance.
Easy to store
A pushchair that folds compactly and small is essential if you're looking to find something that you can put into the boot or fit into an overhead bin on a plane. It also helps to have a shoulder strap so you can carry it in one hand. This is particularly helpful when your child is asleep!
When selecting a travel pushchair, think about the frequency you'll use it and the type of terrain you'll cover. Some travel buggies, like, are only suitable for city walks on smooth roads. They're not suitable for use on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to travel off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure it has a suspension and larger wheels that can take on rough terrain.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need it from birth. If you do, then look for a buggy that has baby's pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 has a brilliant one-hand folding pushchair system and a variety of add-ons, including a newborn's bassinet as well as a rain cover. an extremely comfortable foot muff.
If you are certain that you'll only be using it for holidays and short shopping trips, opt for a travel pushchair that comes with a car seat adaptor that can be attached to the chassis, so that you can keep your baby in their snug car seat throughout the trip. Many travel system bundles include a car seat, but you can create your own customized bundle if you'd prefer.
When choosing a travel system, keep in your mind that it's likely to cost more than if you buy the individual items separately, so think about how much you'll get from each part. You'll also need to consider the cost of a base for your car seat as well as any adaptors you might need to fix it to your pushchair. You can purchase these items on the internet or in stores - some brands even offer bundles that include them all making it easier to design your ideal travel system!