Buying a Travel Pushchair
When you are shopping for a travel pushchair look at things such as the fold as well as the storage space, recline and canopy. Look for extras like coffee cup or footmuff holder, as well as rain covers.
If you frequently travel you should consider a model that has a the ability to fold down in a compact manner and is a cabin-approved. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its single-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold when you are juggling a toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a compact, lightweight stroller that folds quickly and compactly, allowing it to be packed into luggage for flights or put in the boot of the car. They are designed to be used with infants from birth and usually come with the option of securing carseats to them, although adaptors will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or holidays.
There are a myriad of travel pushchairs and you must choose the right one for your family. If you have a toddler, you might prefer a stroller with a foot rest that can be removed to stop your legs of the child from hanging. It is also important to take into consideration the amount of storage space you'll require for your child, as this could be a significant factor when it comes to choosing a buggy.
If you're a frequent jetsetter and need a compact buggy to fit into your baggage allowance for cabin travel opt for a model that folds down into a size of 48cm x 43cm x 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. A model with a clever fold that is dynamic is much easier to pack away, as it will be able to snap in on itself like a paperback book.
A car seat bundle is another alternative. This can save you time and money by giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the components that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair and car seats that are specifically designed to fit in terms of style and comfort. They might also include extras like a parent organizer, or cup holder, which can be a great addition to your travelling.
Some brands sell different add-ons such as a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can convert your travel pushchair to
twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are particularly useful when you have children who are older and would like them to have a comfortable place to sit when travelling.
Folding is simple
Travel pushchairs should be easy to fold, especially in tight spaces such as the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which features a one-handed folding mechanism that our parents test found to be incredibly easy to use, is a fantastic example. This makes it perfect for parents who intend to take their child with them on flights as well as local excursions and day trips.
A travel system bundle is an alternative option. It includes an infant car seat with a pushchair from the same manufacturer. You can be sure the car seat will fit inside your pushchair, and work with the chassis you have chosen for your child. These kinds of bundles are often cheaper than purchasing the items individually, but it's important to check that the items you're planning to buy work together before making a purchase.
If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain, select a model with a solid base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are hard to control on anything but smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are also useful because your child can face the parent at first and then face the world when they get older.
Depending on the season you're planning to travel you'll also need to consider whether your pushchair will provide the protection against weather you require. A sunshade protects your baby from harmful UV rays and
baby pram raincovers will stop snow or water from getting into the pushchair. Make sure to purchase a rain cover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair, not an unspecific one.
Finally, a lightweight and compact design is a crucial specifications for any pushchair, however, this is especially true of travel pushchairs, which must be able to fold down 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 compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. Our parent tester found it very comfortable to travel in with her toddler with a large and well-constructed seat that reclines for comfy naps.
Easy to Manoeuvre
If you're navigating trains or buses with a sleepy baby the ability to fold and move your stroller easily so that you can get on and off without causing any disturbance to your child is essential. Look for models with smooth swivel wheels that are on the front to make it easier to move and turn your buggy.
Travel pushchairs typically have smaller wheels to make them smaller and lighter. However, if you are looking for something to take on rougher terrain or to cross the beach, then select a model that has larger, more robust wheels.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles that include the pushchair, car seat and any other accessories you might need. This is an excellent option if you know exactly what you need 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 bundle. Certain brands provide this information on the internet or you can contact the retailer for assistance.
Easy to store
If you want to fit a travel pushchair in your car's boot or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be lightweight and foldable. It also helps when it comes with a shoulder strap so you can carry it in one hand. This is particularly useful when your child is asleep!
Consider how often you'll utilize the pushchair, and what terrain you will be covering when selecting one. For example, some travel buggies are only suitable for a stroll around town or on smooth surfaces, and don't cope well off road or at the beach. If you're planning to take a trip off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure it has a suspension and larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need it from birth - if you do, then look for a travel buggy with baby's pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold and plenty of add-ons including a newborn bassinet with a rain cover as well as an extremely comfortable foot muff.
If you intend to use it on short trips and holidays then you might want to choose a travel stroll equipped with a car seat adaptor that can be affixed 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 a car seat already fitted however, you can build your own custom bundle if you prefer.
Think about how often you'll make use of each item when you choose the travel set. Also, you'll need to consider the cost of the base for your car seat as well as any adaptors you may need to fix it to your pushchair. They can be purchased on the internet or in stores - some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it easy to create your ideal travel system!