Buying a Travel Pushchair
When buying a travel pushchair, consider things like the fold and recline, storage space and canopy. You should also consider extras such as coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you're frequently traveling, choose a model that's cabin-approved and folds up compactly. Our parent tester says the Joie Tourist does this perfectly. Its single-handed folding mechanism makes it simple to use while you are juggling your toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a small triple 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 designed to be used with infants at birth and are often equipped with the option of attaching a car seat to them but adaptors are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or holidays.
There are a variety of travel pushchairs available on the market, so it's essential to determine which one will be right for your family. If you have a toddler you might prefer a stroller with a footrest that is removable to prevent the legs of the child from hanging. It is also important to take into consideration how much storage space you'll need, as this can be a major aspect when selecting a pushchair.
If you're an avid traveler and require a compact buggy to fit in your cabin baggage allowance opt for a model that folds down into a size of 48cm, 43cm, and 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. A model with an innovative dynamic fold is much easier to pack away, since it will be able to snap in on itself like the pages of a book.
A vehicle seat bundle is another alternative. This will save time and money by giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair with car seats that are specifically designed to match in terms of style and comfort. Some brands offer extras like a cup holder or parent organizers, which can be useful when traveling.
Certain brands offer additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are particularly helpful if you have older children and would like them to have a comfortable place to sit while traveling.
Folding is easy
Travel pushchairs should be easy to fold, particularly in tight spaces such as the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which has a one-handed folding mechanism that our parent test found to be incredibly easy to use, is a great example. This makes it ideal for parents who intend to take their baby with them on air travel and local excursions and day trips.
Another option is a travel system bundle that incorporates the pushchair and the infant car seat from the same manufacturer. This allows you to ensure that the car seat is compatible with the pushchair you have chosen and will fit on the chassis you've chosen for your baby. These kinds of bundles can be a better deal than buying the items separately, but it is important to ensure that the items you're planning to purchase work together prior to making a purchase.
If you plan to use your travel stroller newborn on rough terrain, select one with a sturdy base and wheels that are large enough for handling bumps and bumps. Smaller wheels are hard to control on anything except smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are useful, as your child can sit in front of you at first, and then turn around to look around as they get older.
Depending on the season you plan to travel, you'll need to think about whether your pushchair can provide the weather protection you need. A sunshade protects your child from harmful UV rays, and raincovers can stop snow or water from entering the pushchair. You should purchase a raincover that is specifically designed for your model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.
A lightweight and compact design is a crucial criteria for any pushchair - however, this is especially true of travel pushchairs, which need to be able to fold away easily into a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments (but not all) of some airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a pleasant ride for our parent tester and her toddler. It offers reclined seats that are large and high-quality.
Easy to manoeuvre
It is essential to be able to fold and move the pushchair quickly and easily when you're navigating busy bus or train stations with a sleeping child. This allows you to get on and off the vehicle without disturbing your infant. Find models with smooth swivel front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your pushchair effortlessly.
Travel pushchairs car seats typically have smaller wheels to make them lighter and smaller. However If you're looking for something to take on rough terrain or to walk along the beach, opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel systems that include the pushchair, car seats and any other accessories you might require. This is a great choice for those who have an idea of what you want but don't have time searching for parts that are compatible. Be sure to ensure that the elements you're buying are compatible before buying a travel package. You can find this information on websites of certain brands or consult the retailer.
Easy to store
If you want to fit a travel pushchair in the boot of your car or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it needs to be lightweight and foldable. It also helps to have a strap for your shoulder so you can carry it in one hand - this is particularly useful when your child is asleep!
Consider how often you'll use the pushchair and the terrain you will be covering when choosing one. Some travel buggies, like are designed for walking around town on smooth pavements. They won't work well on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to travel off-road and require a more sturdy buggy, ensure it comes with a suspension system and larger wheels that can withstand rougher surfaces.
Another thing to consider is whether you'll be using it from birth - if so, look for a buggy that has an infant pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 has a brilliant one-hand folding pushchair system and a variety of add-ons such as a bassinet for a newborn, rain cover, and an extremely comfy foot muff.
If you intend to use it for short trips and holidays, you may want to go with a stroller with a car-seat adaptor that can be affixed to the chassis. This allows you to keep your child 3 in one pushchair their car seat for the bulk of the trip. Many travel system bundles include the car seat, however you can create your own customized bundle if you'd like.
Think about how often you'll use each item when choosing a travel set. It is important to consider the cost of a base to connect your car seat to the pushchair, as well as any adaptors you may require. These can be found online or in stores Some brands offer bundles which include all of them, making it easier to design your perfect travel system!