Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel pushchair look at things such as the fold as well as the recline, storage space 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, choose a model that's approved for cabin use and folds down compactly. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its one-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold when trying to manage toddlers.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair can fold easily and compactly for luggage or the trunk of a car. They are made to be used with a baby at birth and are often equipped with the option to attach a car seat to them, although adaptors will be required. Some are also suitable for toddlers which makes them a great option for family holidays and day trips.

There are a variety of travel pushchairs which is why you should choose the right one for your family. If you have a toddler, you may prefer a buggy with a foot rest that can be removed to stop your legs of the child from hanging. It is also important to consider how much storage space you'll need, as this can be a major factor when choosing a pushchair.

If you are a frequent 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 dimension of 48cm x 43cm x 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. A model that has a clever dynamic fold can be much easier to pack away, as it will be able to fold up like the pages of a book.

Another good option is to buy a travel pushchair and car seat bundle. This will allow you to save time looking for compatible components and money. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair along 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 pushchair pushchairs or a double buggy. These are particularly helpful for families with older children and would like them to have a comfortable place to sit while travelling.

Easy to fold

Travel pushchairs must 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 test with parents discovered to be extremely simple to use, is a great example. This makes it ideal for parents who want to take their baby along with them on flights and local excursions and day trips.

A travel system bundle is another option. It includes an infant car seat with a pushchair from the same manufacturer. This allows you to be sure that the car seat is compatible with the pushchair you have chosen and will work with the chassis you've selected for your baby. These bundles can be cheaper than buying each item separately. However, it's important to make sure that the components are compatible before purchasing.

If you plan to use your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, choose something that has a solid base with wide and large wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are harder to control on anything except smooth pavements. A reversible seat is also beneficial, as your child can sit in front of you initially and then turn to explore the world around them as they grow older.

You'll need to decide if your pushchair can provide the protection you need according to the season you plan to travel. A sunshade can protect your child from harmful UV rays. Likewise, raincovers will stop snow or water from entering the pushchair. Make sure to purchase a rain cover designed specifically for your model of pushchair, and not an unspecific one.

A lightweight and compact design is a crucial requirements for any pushchair - but this is especially applicable to travel pushchairs, that need to fold down easily to a tiny size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds available on the market and can be stowed in the overhead luggage compartments of some airlines (although not all). Our parent tester found it very comfortable to travel in with her toddler with a large and high-quality seat that reclines for comfortable naps.

Easy to Manoeuvre

It's crucial to be able fold and maneuver the pushchair easily and quickly when you're navigating busy bus or train stations with a child sleeping. This will allow you to get on and off the vehicle without disturbing your child. Find models with smooth swivel wheels that are on the front to make it easier to move and turn your pushchair.

Travel pushchairs generally come with smaller wheels, which makes them smaller and lighter. However, if you are looking for something to take on rougher terrain or to traverse the beach, opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.

Some retailers and brands offer travel system bundles that include the pushchair, car seat and any other accessories you might require. This is an ideal option if know exactly what you need and don't fancy spending hours searching for the right parts. Always check that the components you purchase work together before purchasing any travel bundle. Certain brands provide this information online or you can ask a retailer for help.

Easy to store

A pushchair for travel that folds compactly and small is essential if you're looking for something that you can put into the boot or fit into an overhead bin on the plane. It's also helpful to have an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it with one hand. This is particularly useful 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 be covering. Some travel buggies, for example, are only suitable for walking around town on smooth roads. They're not suited for use on the beach or off-road. If you plan to travel off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure that it has a suspension as well as larger wheels that can withstand rough terrain.

Another thing to think about is whether you'll be using it from the beginning - if you do, then look for a buggy that has a pram newborn pack or a bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold, and a variety of accessories, including a newborn bassinet as well as a rain cover, and a seriously snuggly foot muff.

If you plan to use it for brief vacations and trips it is possible to consider a stroller equipped with a car seat adaptor that can be connected to the chassis. This will allow you to keep your child in their car seat for the bulk of the trip. A lot of travel system bundles come with car seats, but you can design your own customized bundle if you'd prefer.

Consider how often you'll use each item when choosing a travel system prams set. You'll need to consider the cost of a base to connect your car seat to your pushchair and any adaptors you may need. You can purchase these items in stores or online - some brands even offer bundles that include all of them making it easier to design your dream travel system!