Buying a Travel Pushchair
When buying a travel pushchair look at things such as the fold and recline, storage space, and canopy. Consider adding extras such as coffee cup or footmuff holder, as well as rain covers.
If you're jet-setting often, choose a model that's approved prams for newborns cabin use and folds down compactly. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist does this perfectly. Its one-handed folding mechanism makes it simple to use whilst juggling your toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a compact stroller that folds easily and compactly, allowing it to be put in luggage for a trip or put in the boot of the car. They are made to be used with babies from birth and often come with the option of attaching a car seat to them but adaptors are required. Some are also suitable for toddlers, making them a good option for family holidays and day trips.
There are many different types of travel pushchairs (check these guys out) on market, so it's essential to choose which one will be right for your family. For instance, if have an infant, you may prefer a pushchair with a removable leg rest to ensure that your child's feet don't dangle. It is also important to take into consideration the amount of storage space you will need, as this can be a major factor when it comes to choosing a buggy.
If you are a frequent jetsetter and need a compact buggy to fit into your baggage allowance for cabin travel opt for a model that folds down to a size of 48cm x 43cm x 21.5cm. This is smaller than the majority of hand luggage. A model with a clever fold that is dynamic is even easier to pack away, as it can snap into itself as an ordinary book.
A travel pushchair and vehicle seat bundle is a different alternative. This will save you money and time by making it easier to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair along with a car seat that are specifically designed to match in terms of design and fit. Some brands provide additional features like a cup holder or parent organizers, which are helpful when traveling.
Certain brands offer additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover to transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are particularly helpful if you have older children and want them to have a comfortable seat while travelling.
Folding is simple
Travel pushchairs must 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 parent test found to be incredibly easy to use, is a fantastic example. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to take their baby on day trips, local excursions, and even air travel.
Another good alternative is a travel system bundle that combines an baby car seat from the same brand. This way, you can ensure that the car seat will fit your pushchair pram and work with the model you've selected for your baby. These types of bundles are usually cheaper than purchasing the items individually, but it's important to check that the components you want to buy work together before making the purchase.
If you intend to use your stroller on rough terrain, you should choose an option with a sturdy base and wheels that are large enough for handling bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to manage on any other surface than smooth roads. Reversible seats are also useful, as your baby can face you initially and then turn to see the world as they grow older.
You'll need to decide whether your pushchair will provide the protection you need based on the time of the year you're planning to travel. A sunshade that protects your baby's skin from harmful UV rays, and a rain cover to prevent snow or water from getting into the pushchair are crucial features. You should purchase a raincover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair, not an ordinary one.
Additionally, a light and compact design are the primary specifications for any pushchair, but this is particularly true of travel pushchairs, which need to be able to fold away easily into a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be put in the overhead luggage compartments (but not all) of certain airlines. Our parent tester found it very comfortable to travel in with her toddler, with a large 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 in busy train or bus stations with a child sleeping. This allows you to get off and on the vehicle without disturbing your infant. Choose models that have smooth pivoting front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your stroller effortlessly.
Typically, travel pushchairs prams have smaller wheels than other kinds of strollers to keep their weight and size to a minimum, but if you want something to take on rough terrain or a trek across the beach, choose one that has bigger wheels that are more durable to withstand this type of challenge.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel systems that include car seats, pushchairs and other items you might require. This is an excellent option for those who know what you're looking for and don't have time searching for parts that are compatible. Make sure that the components you are buying will work in conjunction before purchasing any travel bundle. Some brands publish this information online, or you can ask the retailer for assistance.
Easy to store
If you want to fit a pushchair for travel in your car's trunk or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be lightweight and foldable. It's also helpful if it has a strap for your shoulder so you can carry it with one hand. This is especially useful if your child is asleep!
When selecting a travel pushchair, take into account the frequency of use and the type of terrain you'll have to cover. For example, some travel buggies are designed for strolling around town or on smooth pavements, and will not cope well off road or on the beach. If you are planning to take a trip off-road and require a more rugged buggy, make sure it is equipped with a suspension and larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.
Another thing to consider is whether you'll use it from the beginning - if you do, then look for a buggy that has a newborn pack or a bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, featuring a clever one-hand fold, and a variety of accessories, including a pram newborn bassinet with a rain cover as well as the most comfortable foot muff.
If you plan to use it for brief vacations and Pushchair pram trips, you may want to choose a travel stroll equipped with a car seat adaptor that can be connected to the chassis. This allows you to keep your child in their car seat for the duration of the journey. Many travel system bundles come with a car seat already fitted, but you can also build your own custom bundle if you prefer.
Consider how much you will use each item when choosing the travel set. It is important to consider the cost of a base that can be used to connect your car seat to your pushchair and any adaptors that you may require. They are available online or in stores - some brands offer bundles which include all of them, making it simple to design your ideal travel system!