Buying a Travel Pushchair
When you are buying a stroller for your travels look at the fold, storage recline, and canopy. You should also look for extras such as coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you’re frequently traveling make sure you choose a model which is approved for cabin use and folds down compactly. Our test with parents says that the Joie Tourist is perfect for this. Its single-handed folding mechanism makes it easy to use while you are trying to keep your toddler in the right position.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a small stroller that folds up easily and compactly so it can be packed into luggage for flights or put in the trunk of the car. These strollers are designed to be used with infants from birth. They often come with the option of incorporating a car seat, but adaptors are required. Some are also suitable for toddlers and make them a great option for family holidays and day trips.
There are a myriad of types of travel pushchairs available on the market, twin pushchairs and it’s crucial to choose which one is best for your family. For example, if you have an infant, you may prefer a pushchair with a removable leg rest to ensure that the child’s feet don’t dangle. When choosing a stroller, it is crucial to think about how much storage you will need.
If you frequently travel and want a compact buggy that fits in the cabin baggage allowance Look for models that fold down to approximately 48cm x 43cm and 21.5 cm – which is less than the size of most hand luggage. If you pick one that features an innovative, dynamic folding system, it will be easier to pack, as the buggy can fold into itself, similar to a book.
Another good alternative is to purchase an automobile seat bundle. This will save you time researching compatible components as well as money. Brand bundles typically include a pushchair with a car seat that are specifically designed to be compatible in terms of style and fit. There are also other options like a parent organizer, or cup holder, which could be a great addition to your traveling.
Certain brands offer additional accessories such as a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are especially useful when you have older siblings and want to make sure that they all have a place to sit during your travels.
Easy to fold
Travel pushchairs must be easy to fold, especially in small spaces like the cabin of a train or airplane. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with a one-handed mechanism that our parent tester found extremely easy to use. This makes it perfect for parents who wish to take their children on day trips, local excursions, and even on air travel.
Another alternative is a travel system bundle that combines the pushchair and the infant car seat from the same manufacturer. You can be certain that the car seat will fit into your pushchair and work with the chassis you’ve selected for your child. The bundles can be less expensive than buying each item separately. However, it is important to make sure that the components work together before purchasing.
If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain, you should choose an option with a sturdy base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are more difficult to manage on anything other than smooth roads. A reversible seat is also beneficial, as your baby can face you initially and then turn to see the world as they get older.
Depending on the time of year you’re planning to travel you’ll need to think about whether your pushchair can provide the weather protection you need. A sunshade to protect your baby’s skin from harmful UV rays and a rain cover to prevent snow or water from entering the pushchair are essential features. Be sure to buy a rain cover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair with car seat, not a generic one.
A lightweight and compact design is a crucial requirements for any pushchair – but this is especially relevant to travel pushchairs which must be able to fold down easily to a tiny size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds available on the market and is able to be stored in overhead compartments of some airlines (although not all). Our testers with parents found it really comfortable to ride in with her toddler, with a spacious and high-quality seat unit that reclines for comfy naps.
Easy to Manoeuvre
If you’re navigating busy bus or train stations with a sleeping baby, being able to fold and move your pushchair easily so that you can get on and off without disturbing your little one is essential. Choose models that have smooth swivel front wheels that allow you to turn and move your pushchair effortlessly.
Travel pushchairs typically have smaller wheels to make them smaller and lighter. However, if you are seeking a model to use on rough terrain or cross the beach, then opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles which include a pushchair, car seat and any other accessories you might require. This is a great option if you have a clear idea of what you want and don’t fancy spending hours searching for the right parts. But, make sure the components you purchase will work in conjunction prior to purchasing a travel bundle. Some brands make this information available online, or you can ask a retailer for help.
Easy to store
If you are planning to put a pushchair that can travel in the boot of your car or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be lightweight and foldable. It also helps if it has a strap for your shoulder so you can carry it with one hand. This is particularly helpful when your child is asleep!
Consider how often you will use the pushchair and what terrain you will be covering when choosing one. Some travel buggies, like, are only suitable for walking around town on smooth roads. They won’t work well on the beach or off-road. If you are planning to take a trip off-road and need a more rugged buggy, make sure that it has a suspension as well as larger wheels that can take on more rough terrain.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether you’ll be using 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 design and comes with a wide range of accessories such as a bassinet for a newborn, rain cover, and a really snuggly foot muff.
If you only plan to use it for brief vacations and trips then you might want to go with 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 bulk of the journey. Many travel systems include an already-fitted car seat, but you can also assemble your own customised bundle if that’s what you prefer.
Consider how often you’ll utilize each item when selecting the travel set. You’ll have to think about the cost of a base that can be used to connect your car seat to your pushchair, as well as any adaptors you may require. These can be found online or in stores – some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it simple to create your ideal travel system!