Ten Travel Pushchairs That Really Improve Your Life
Buying a Travel Pushchair
When you are buying a stroller for your travels, you should consider the fold, storage, recline and canopy. Look for extras like a coffee cup or footmuff holder, as well as a rain cover.
If you're jet-setting often make sure you choose a model which is cabin-approved and folds compactly. The Joie Tourist is the perfect option for this. Its single-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold when trying to manage the toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair can fold quickly and compactly to fit in luggage or the boot of a car. They are designed for use with babies from birth and usually come with the option to attach carseats to them but adaptors are required. Some are also suitable for toddlers and make them a great option for day and holiday trips.
There are a myriad of types of travel pushchairs on the market, and it's crucial to choose which one will be right for your family. For instance, if have children, 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 consider the amount of storage space you will need for your child, as this could be a big aspect when selecting a pushchair.
If you're frequently traveling and need a small buggy that can fit in the allowance for cabin baggage, look for one that folds to around 48cm x43cm in size 21.5 cm, which is smaller than the size of most hand luggage. A model with an innovative fold that is dynamic is even more convenient to store away, as it can snap in on itself like a paperback book.
A vehicle seat bundle is a different alternative. This will save you money and time 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 fit. Some brands offer extras such as cups holder or parent organizers, which are useful when traveling.
Some brands sell different add-ons like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are especially useful when you have older siblings and want to ensure that they both have somewhere comfortable to sit during your travels.
Easy to fold
Travel pushchairs should be simple to fold, especially in small spaces like the cabin of a train or airplane. The Joie Pact Pro, which has a one-handed folding pushchair mechanism that our parents test found to be extremely easy to use, is a fantastic example. This makes it ideal for parents who intend to take their baby with them on air travel as well as local excursions and day excursions.
A travel system bundle is another option. It combines a car seat and pushchair from the same manufacturer. You can be sure the car seat will fit inside your pushchair, and will work with the chassis that you've selected for your child. These types of bundles are usually a better deal than buying the items separately, but it's crucial to confirm that the items you're planning to purchase work together prior to making a purchase.
If you're planning to use your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, choose something that has a solid base with wide and large wheels that can withstand bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are also beneficial, as your baby can face you initially, and then turn around to see the world as they get older.
Depending on the season you plan to travel, you'll also have to consider whether your pushchair can provide the protection against weather that you require. A sunshade protects your baby from harmful UV rays and raincovers will stop snow or water from getting into the pushchair. You should buy a raincover specifically designed for the model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.
Finally, a lightweight and compact design is a crucial specifications for any pushchair, but this is especially true of travel pushchairs, that need fold up easily to a tiny size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be stored in the overhead luggage compartments (but not all) of certain airlines. Our testers with parents found it extremely comfortable to travel in with her toddler, with a large and high-quality seat unit that reclines for comfortable naps.
Easy to Manoeuvre
If you're trying to navigate busy bus or train stations with a sleepy baby the ability to fold and move your stroller easily so that you can easily get off and on without disturbing your little one is essential. Look for models with smooth swivel wheels on the front, which makes it easier to move and turn your stroller.
Typically, travel prams pushchairs prams have smaller wheels than other kinds of strollers to keep their weight and size down however, if you're looking for something for more rough terrain or a trip across the beach, choose one with bigger, more robust wheels to withstand this type of terrain.
Some retailers and brands offer travel systems that include car seats, pushchairs and any other accessories you might require. This is an ideal option if know exactly what you need and don't want to spend a lot of time looking for parts that are compatible. Make sure that the components you purchase are compatible before purchasing a travel bundle. Some brands publish this information online or you can ask an agent for assistance.
Easy to store
A travel pushchair that folds small and compact is crucial if you're looking for something that you can put in the boot or easily fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. It's also helpful if the folding pushchair is equipped with a harness for the shoulder to allow you to hold it with one hand - especially in the event that your child gets sleepy!
When you're choosing a travel-friendly pushchair, take into account the frequency you'll use it and what kind of terrain you'll be covering. For example, some travel buggies are best suited for strolling around town or on smooth pavements, and will not cope well off road or on the beach. If you plan to travel off-road and require a more rugged buggy, ensure it has a suspension and larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.
If you plan to use it from the time of birth, then look for a travel stroller with a baby pack. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold and plenty 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 only be using it for holidays and short shopping trips, look for a travel pushchair that comes with a car seat adaptor that is attached to the chassis so that you can keep your baby in their car seat for most of the journey. Many travel systems bundles include car seats, but you can create your own customized bundle if you'd prefer.
Think about how often you'll utilize each item when selecting the travel set. You'll also need to consider the cost of the base for your car seat, as well as any adaptors that you might require to attach it to a pushchair. These can be found on the internet or in stores Some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it simple to design your ideal travel system!