Buying a Travel Pushchair
When purchasing a travel stroll, you should consider the fold, storage recline and canopy. You should also look for extras such as a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you're frequently traveling pick a model that's cabin-approved and folds compactly. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist is perfect for this. Its one-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold and fold while trying to manage the toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a small stroller that folds easily and compactly so it can be put in luggage for a trip or put in the trunk of the car. These strollers are designed to be used with babies as young as. They often can be fitted with carseats, but adaptors are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or on holidays.
There are a myriad of travel pushchairs available which is why you should choose the right one for your family. If you have a child, you may prefer a buggy with a footrest that is removable to prevent the legs of the child from hanging. When selecting a stroller, it is important to consider how much storage space you'll require.
If you frequently travel and require a compact buggy that can fit in the cabin baggage allowance, look for models that fold down to approximately 48cm x 43cm x 21.5 cm - which is less than the size of most hand luggage. If you select one that features an innovative, dynamic folding system, it will be much easier to carry around, since the buggy can be snapped into itself, much like a book.
A vehicle seat bundle is another alternative. This will save money and time by making it easier to concentrate on the components that are compatible. A brand bundle usually includes a pushchair and a car seat that have been specifically made to complement each other in terms of design and fit. Some brands offer extras such as a cup holder or parent organizers, which can be useful when traveling.
Some brands sell additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are especially useful for families with older children and you want to ensure they both have somewhere comfortable to sit while traveling.
Folding is easy
A travel pushchair should be easy to fold and manoeuvre - especially if you'll need to do it in tight spaces, such as the cabin of a plane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which features a one-handed folding mechanism that our parent test found to be incredibly easy to use, is an excellent example. prams pushchairs pushchairsandprams makes it perfect for parents who want to take their baby on day trips, local excursions and even air travel.
Another alternative is a travel system bundle that incorporates the pushchair and the infant car seat from the same manufacturer. This allows you to be sure that the car seat will fit your pushchair and work with the chassis you've chosen for your baby. These bundles are often less expensive than purchasing each item separately. However, it is important to make sure that the components work together before you buy.
If you plan to use your travel pushchair on rough terrain, choose something with a sturdy base with large and wide wheels that can cope with bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth roads. Reversible seats are also beneficial as they allow your baby to face the parent at first and then look out into the world as they grow older.
You'll have to determine if your pushchair can provide the protection you need depending on the time of the year you're planning to travel. A sunshade will protect your child from harmful UV rays. Likewise, a raincover will prevent water or snow from entering the pushchair. You should purchase an umbrella specifically designed for your model of pushchair and not a generic one.
The final requirement is that the pushchair should be lightweight and compact. This is particularly true for travel pushchairs, which need to be capable of folding down to a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folding options on the market and can be stowed in the overhead luggage compartments of some airlines (although not all). Our parent tester 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
It's crucial to be able fold and move the pushchair swiftly and effortlessly if you are navigating busy bus or train stations with a child sleeping. This allows you to get on and off the vehicle without disturbing your baby. Find models with smooth swivel wheels that are on the front, which makes it easier to move and turn your stroller.
Travel pushchairs usually have smaller wheels to keep them lighter and smaller. However, if you are looking for something to take on rough terrain or traverse the beach, choose a model with larger, more robust wheels.
Some brands and retailers offer travel system bundles which include a pushchair, car seat and any other accessories you might need. This is an excellent option if you already know what you want but don't have time looking for the right parts. But, make sure the elements you're buying will work in conjunction prior to purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of a few brands or consult the retailer.
Easy to store
If you are planning to put a travel pushchair in your car's boot or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be compact and foldable. It's also helpful if the pushchair has a shoulder harness so you can hold it in one arm - especially when your child is asleep!
When you're choosing a travel-friendly pushchair, consider how often you'll use it and the kind of terrain you'll be covering. For example, some travel buggies are designed for walking around town on smooth pavements and won't be able to handle rough terrain or at the beach. If you're planning to go off-road and need a more robust buggy, make sure it has suspension and more wheels that can withstand rougher surfaces.
If you intend 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 lots of extras, including a baby bassinet as well as a rain cover, and a seriously snuggly foot muff.
Alternatively, if you know you'll only use it for short shopping trips, opt for a travel pushchair that comes with an adaptor for car seats that can be attached to the chassis, so that you can keep your baby in their car seat for the duration of the journey. Many travel system bundles come with an already-fitted car seat, but you can also build your own custom bundle if that's what you prefer.
When choosing a travel system, bear in your mind that it's likely to cost more than if you buy the individual items separately, so consider the amount of use you'll get out of each part. It is also important to consider the cost of the base of your car seat as well as any adaptors you may require to attach it to the pushchair. These are all available in stores or online - some brands even offer bundles that include all of them making it easier to design your dream travel system!