Buying a Travel Pushchair
When purchasing a pushchair for travel look at things such as the fold and recline, storage space and canopy. You should also consider additional features like coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you frequently travel pick a model that has the ability to fold down in a compact manner and is approved by the cabin. The Joie Tourist is the ideal option for this. Its one-handed folding mechanism makes it simple to use while you are playing with your toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a compact stroller that folds easily and compactly, allowing it to be packed into luggage for a trip or put in the trunk of a car. They are designed to be used with babies from birth and usually come with the option to attach a car seat to them however adapters will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or holidays.
There are many travel pushchairs and you must choose the right one for your family. For example, if you have a toddler, you might prefer a buggy with a removable leg rest so that the child's feet aren't hanging. It is also important to consider how much storage space you will need for your child, as this could be a major factor when it comes to choosing a buggy.
If you're an avid traveler and require 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 the majority of hand luggage. A model with an intelligent dynamic fold can be much easier to pack away, since it can snap into itself as a paperback book.
Another alternative is to purchase a travel pushchair and car seat bundle, which will save you time researching compatible components and money. A brand-name bundle typically includes a pushchair and car seat that has been specially designed to match each other in terms of style and comfort. Some brands include extras such as a cup holder or parent organizer, which are useful when traveling.
Some brands sell additional accessories like a baby bassinet or rain cover to convert your travel pushchair to
twin pushchairs or a
pram double buggy. These are particularly helpful when you have children who are older and would like them to have a comfortable place to sit when travelling.
Easy to fold
Travel pushchairs must be easy to fold, particularly 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 ideal for parents who intend to take their baby with them on flights as well as local excursions and day trips.
Another good option is a travel bundle that includes a pushchair and baby car seat from the same brand. This means you can be certain that the car seat is compatible with your pushchair and will be compatible with the model you've selected for your baby. These bundles can be cheaper than purchasing each item separately. However, it's crucial to ensure that the parts work before you buy.
If you plan to use your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, choose one with a sturdy base with large and wide wheels that can cope with bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are harder to control on anything except smooth surfaces. A reversible seat is also beneficial, as your baby can face you initially, and then turn around to explore the world around them as they get older.
Depending on the time of year you're planning to travel you'll also need to consider whether your stroller will offer the protection against weather that you require. 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 specific model of pushchair, rather than an unspecific one.
The last requirement is that the stroller should be compact and lightweight. This is particularly true for travel pushchairs that must be capable of folding down to a small size. The Bugaboo Butterfly has one of the smallest folds on the market and is able to be carried in overhead 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 to provide a comfortable nap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
If you're traveling through trains or buses with a sleeping baby, being able to fold and move your pushchair with ease so that you can easily get on and off without causing any disturbance to your child is essential. Look for models with smooth swivel front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your pushchair effortlessly.
Travel pushchairs typically come with smaller wheels, which makes them lighter and smaller. However should you be looking for something to take on rougher terrain or to walk along the beach, choose a model with larger, more durable wheels.
Some retailers and brands offer travel system bundles that include a pushchair, car seat and any additional accessories you may require. This is a great choice when you know what you want but don't have time searching for parts that are compatible. However, always check that the items you buy work together before purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on the websites of certain brands or inquire with the retailer.
Easy to store
A pushchair that folds compactly and
twin pushchairs small is essential if you're looking to find something that you can put into the boot or fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. It also helps to have a shoulder strap so you can carry it in one hand. This is particularly useful when your child is asleep!
When selecting a travel pushchair, consider the frequency you'll use it and the kind of terrain you'll cover. For
twin pushchairs example, some travel buggies are designed 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 travel off-road and require an extra sturdy buggy, ensure it has a suspension system and more wheels that can withstand rougher surfaces.
Another thing to think about is whether you'll need it from birth. If you do, then look for a buggy that has an infant pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, featuring a clever one-hand fold, and a variety of add-ons including a newborn bassinet as well as a rain cover, and an extremely comfortable foot muff.
If you are certain that you'll use it only for short shopping trips, go for a pushchair that has an adaptor for carseats that is attached to the chassis, so that you can keep your baby in their comfortable car seat for most of the journey. Many travel systems bundles include a car seat, but you can create your own bundle if you'd prefer.
Consider how often you'll utilize each item when selecting a travel set. You'll have to think about the cost of a base to connect your car seat to the pushchair and any adaptors you might require. They can be purchased on the internet or in stores Some brands offer bundles which include all of them, making it easier to design your ideal travel system!