Buying a Travel Pushchair
When buying a travel pushchair take into consideration things like the fold, storage space, recline and canopy. Also, look for additional features like coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you’re frequently traveling make sure you choose a model which is cabin-approved and folds compactly. Our test with parents says that the Joie Tourist does this perfectly. Its single-handed folding mechanism makes it easy to use while trying to keep your toddler in the right position.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair can be folded quickly and compactly to fit in luggage or the car’s boot. They are made to be used with a baby from birth and usually come with the option of attaching a car seat to them, although adaptors will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and are used for day trips or on holidays.
There are a variety of travel pushchairs on market, and it’s crucial to determine which one will be right for your family. For example, if you have a toddler, you might prefer a buggy with a removable leg rest to ensure that the child’s feet won’t hang. It is also important to take into consideration how much storage space you will need for your child, as this could be a significant factor when choosing a pushchair.
If you’re a frequent jetsetter and Baby Gear need an ultra-compact buggy that can fit in your allowance for cabin baggage, choose a model which folds down into a size of 48cm by 43cm by 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. If you choose a model that has an innovative, fluid folding, it will be much easier to pack, as the buggy can be snapped into itself, similar to an old book.
A vehicle seat bundle is another option. This will save money and time by making it easier to concentrate on the components that are compatible. A brand bundle usually includes a car seat that have been specifically designed to be compatible in terms of style and fit. They might also include extras like a parent organizer or cup holder, which can be a useful addition when traveling.
Some brands sell additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover to convert your travel pushchair to a twin travel pushchair or double buggy. These are particularly helpful if you have older children and need a comfortable seat while traveling.
Easy to fold
A travel pushchair should be easy to fold and maneuver especially if you’ll be required to do it in tight spaces, such as the cabin of a train or plane. The Joie Pact Pro, which features a one-handed folding mechanism that our test with parents found to be extremely easy to use, is a great example. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to take their baby on day excursions, local excursions and even air travel.
A travel system bundle is a different option. It includes the car seat and pushchair from the same manufacturer. You can be certain that the car seat will fit in your pushchair, and work with the chassis you have chosen for your child. These types of bundles can be more affordable than buying the components separately, however it’s crucial to confirm that the items you’re planning to buy work together before making the purchase.
If you’re planning to take your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, choose something that has a solid base with large and wide wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to manage on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are also useful, as your child can sit in front of you to start with and then pivot to look around as they grow older.
Depending on the time of year you’re planning to travel, you’ll need to think about whether your pushchair can provide 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 water or snow from entering the pushchair are crucial features. You should choose a raincover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.
Additionally, a light and compact design are essential requirements for any pushchair – however, this is especially relevant to travel pushchairs which must be able to fold away quickly to a small size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs prams on the market. It can also be put in the overhead compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a relaxing ride for our parent facing pushchair tester and her toddler. It offers large reclining seats that are reclining and of high quality.
Easy to manoeuvre
If you’re trying to navigate trains or buses with a sleeping baby the ability to fold and move your stroller newborn easily to allow you to get off and on 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.
Typically the travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other kinds of strollers to keep their weight and size low, but if you want something that can handle rough terrain or a trip along the beach, pick one with bigger, more robust wheels to withstand this type of terrain.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles which include a pushchair, car seat and any additional accessories you might need. This is an excellent option if you are aware of what you require and don’t fancy spending hours looking 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
A travel pushchair that folds down small and compact is essential if you’re looking for something that you can put in the boot or easily fit into an overhead bin on the plane. It’s also helpful if your pushchair has a shoulder harness so that you can carry it in one arm – especially when your child is asleep!
When you’re choosing a travel-friendly pushchair, consider the frequency of use and the type of terrain you’ll be covering. Some travel buggies, like, are only suitable for city walks on smooth pavements. They’re not suitable for use on the beach or off-road. If you’re planning to travel off-road and need a more robust buggy, ensure it comes with suspension and a larger set of wheels that can withstand rougher terrain.
If you plan to use it starting at birth and beyond, then you must consider a stroller for travel with a newborn bag. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold and lots of accessories, including a newborn bassinet, a rain cover and the most comfortable foot muff.
Alternatively, if you know you’ll only use it for holidays and short shopping trips, look for a travel pushchair with an adaptor for carseats that fixes onto the chassis so that you can keep your baby in their car seat for most of the journey. Many travel systems come with a car seat that is already fitted however, you can build your own custom bundle if you prefer.
When choosing the right travel system, keep in your mind that it’s likely to cost more than if you purchase the separate items separately, so consider how much use you’ll get out of each part. It is also important to factor in the price of the base of your car seat and any adaptors you may require to connect it to your pushchair. These can be found on the internet or in stores – some brands offer bundles which include all of them, making it easier to design your perfect travel system!
