Buying a Travel Pushchair
When you are buying a stroller for your travels, you should consider the fold, storage recline and canopy. Also, look for extras such as a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you frequently travel pick a model that has an easy fold and is cabin-approved. Our test with parents says that the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its single-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold while juggling a toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a compact stroller that folds easily and compactly to be put in luggage for a flight or put in the boot of the car. These strollers are specifically designed for use with babies from birth. They usually have the option of attaching an infant car seat, however adaptors are required. Some are also suitable for toddlers and make them a great choice for holidays and day trips.
There are a variety of travel pushchairs available, so you need to select the best one for your family. If you have a child, you might prefer a stroller with a foot rest that can be removed to stop your legs of the child from hanging. When choosing a
stroller, it is crucial to think about how much storage you will require.
If you are a frequent traveler and require an ultra-compact buggy that can fit in your cabin baggage allowance opt for a model that folds down to a size of 48cm, 43cm, and 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. If you pick a model that has a clever, dynamic folding, it will be much easier to carry around, since the buggy can fold into itself, much like an old book.
A vehicle seat bundle is a different option. This will save you time and money by allowing you to focus on the parts that are compatible. A brand bundle typically includes a
pushchair sale and a car seat that has been specially made to complement each other in terms of style and fit. They may also offer extras like a parent organizer, or cup holder, which could be a useful addition when traveling.
Certain brands offer additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover to transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or double buggy. These are particularly useful for families with older children and want them to have an area to sit comfortably when travelling.
Folding is easy
Travel pushchairs should be simple to fold, especially in tight spaces such as the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro is a great example, with an easy-to-use mechanism that our test-drivers found incredibly simple to use. This makes it perfect for parents who want to take their child on day excursions, local excursions and air travel.
A travel system bundle is an alternative option. It includes an infant car seat with a pushchair from the same manufacturer. This way, you can be sure that the car seat is compatible with your pushchair and fit on the model you've selected for your baby. These bundles can be cheaper than purchasing each item separately. However, it's important to make sure that the components work together before purchasing.
If you plan to use your stroller on rough terrain, you should choose one with a sturdy base and wheels that are large enough for handling bumps and bumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to control on anything other than smooth pavements. A reversible seat is also handy, so that your baby can face you to start with and then turn to explore the world around them as they get older.
Depending on the season you're planning to travel, you'll also have to consider whether your stroller will offer the weather protection you need. A sunshade to help protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays and a rain cover to stop snow or water from getting in the pushchair are essential features. Make sure you buy a rain cover designed specifically for your model of pushchair, rather than a generic one.
The final criteria is that the stroller should be light and compact. This is particularly true for travel
pushchairs, which need to be capable of folding down to a smaller size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds available on the market, and can be stored in 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 well-constructed seat unit that reclines for comfortable naps.
Easy to manoeuvre
If you're navigating trains or buses with a sleepy baby, being able to fold and move your stroller easily to allow you to get on and off without causing any disturbance to your child is a must. Look for models with smooth front wheels that swivel to allow you to pivot and move your stroller effortlessly.
Typically, travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other kinds of strollers to keep their weight and size low however, if you're looking for something that can handle rough terrain or a trip to the beach, select one with bigger, more robust wheels to take on this type of terrain.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles that include a car seat, pushchair 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. However, always check that the components you purchase will work in conjunction prior to purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of certain brands or inquire with a retailer.
Easy to store
A travel pushchair that folds down small and compact is essential if you're looking for something to put in the back of your car or fit into an overhead bin on a plane. It's also helpful if it has an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it in one hand. This is particularly useful when your child is asleep!
When choosing a travel pushchair, think about how often you'll use it
push chairs and prams what kind of terrain you'll have to cover. For example, some travel buggies are designed for strolling around town or on smooth pavements and won't perform well off the road or at the beach. If you're planning on going off-road and need a more robust buggy, check that it comes with suspension as well as larger wheels that can withstand rougher terrain.
If you plan to use it from birth and beyond, then you must look for a travel stroller with a baby pack. 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 intend to use it for short excursions and vacations it is possible to consider a stroller 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 duration of the journey. A lot of travel system bundles include a car seat that is already fitted, but you can also build your own custom bundle if you prefer.
When choosing a travel system, keep in your mind that it's likely to cost more than if you buy the separate items separately, so consider the amount of use you'll get from each component. Also, you'll need to take into account the cost of the base for your car seat and any adaptors that you might require to connect it to the pushchair. These are all available in stores or online - some brands even offer bundles that include all of them, making it easy to design your ideal travel system!