Ten Travel Pushchairs That Really Improve Your Life
Buying a Travel Pushchair
When you are buying a stroller for your travels take into consideration the fold, storage, recline, and canopy. You can also look for accessories such as a coffee cup or footmuff holder, as well as rain covers.
If you're often traveling, choose a model that's approved for cabin use and folds down compactly. Our parent tester says the Joie Tourist does this perfectly. Its single-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold while juggling toddlers.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a compact stroller that folds quickly and compactly so it can be put in luggage for flights or put in the trunk of a car. They are designed to be used with babies at birth and are often equipped with the option to attach carseats to them however adapters will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or during holidays.
There are many different types of travel pushchairs on market, and it's crucial to determine which one is suitable for your family. For instance, if you have an infant, you may prefer a buggy that has a removable leg rest so that the child's feet don't dangle. It is also important to think about how much storage space you'll require, as this can be a significant factor when choosing a pushchair.
If you are a frequent traveler and require a small buggy that fits into your baggage allowance for cabin travel, choose a model which folds down to a dimension of 48cm x 43cm x 21.5cm. This is smaller than the majority of hand luggage. If you select a model that has a clever, dynamic folding mechanism, it's easier to pack, as the buggy can be snapped in on itself, like a book.
A car seat bundle is a different option. This will save you time and money, making it easier to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair and a car seat that are specifically designed to be compatible in terms of design pram and car seat fit. They may also offer extras like a parent organizer or cup holder, which could be a useful addition when traveling.
Certain brands offer additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a pram double buggy. These are particularly useful if you have older children and need a comfortable seat while travelling.
Easy to fold
Travel pushchairs must be easy to fold, especially in tight spaces such as the cabin of a train or airplane. The Joie Pact Pro is a great example, with one-handed operation that our test-drivers found incredibly simple to use. This makes it perfect for parents who plan to take their baby along with them on air travel as well as local excursions and day trips.
Another option is a travel bundle that includes an infant car seat from the same brand. You can be sure the car seat will fit into your pushchair, and will work with the chassis you have chosen for your child. These types of bundles are usually more affordable than buying the items separately, but it's crucial to confirm that the items you're planning to buy work together before making the purchase.
If you're planning to use your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, you should look for something with a sturdy base and wide wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are harder to control on anything but smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are also useful as they allow your baby to be seated with the parent for a while, and then turn to face the world when they get older.
You'll have to determine whether your stroller travel can offer the protection you need according to the time of year you plan to travel. A sunshade protects your child from harmful UV rays. Likewise, raincovers can stop snow or water from getting into the pushchair. Make sure you buy the right rain cover specifically for your specific model of pushchair, not an unspecific one.
Additionally, a light and compact design are the primary requirements for any pushchair - however, this is especially true of travel pushchairs, which need to be able fold up easily into a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a comfortable ride for our tester's parents and her toddler. It features reclined seats that are large and of top quality.
Easy to manoeuvre
It's essential to be able fold and move the pushchair quickly and easily in busy bus or train stations with a sleeping child. This allows you to get on and off the vehicle without disturbing your child. Look for models with smooth pivoting front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your stroller effortlessly.
Typically, travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other types of strollers to keep their weight and size to a minimum However, if you're looking to get something to take on rough terrain or a trek across the beach, choose one with bigger wheels that are more durable to handle this kind of terrain.
Some retailers and brands offer travel systems that include car seats, pushchairs and any extras you may need. This is a great option for those who know what you want and don't have time looking for compatible parts. Make sure the components you are buying are compatible before purchasing a travel bundle. Certain brands provide this information on the internet or you can contact the retailer for assistance.
Easy to store
If you are planning to put a pushchair for travel in your car's boot or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be compact and foldable. It also helps to have an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it in one hand. This is particularly helpful when your child is asleep!
When selecting a travel pram pushchair, take into account the frequency you'll use it and the kind of terrain you'll have to cover. Some travel buggies, for example are designed for city walks on smooth roads. They're not suitable for use on the beach or off-road. If you plan to take a trip off-road and require a more robust buggy, make sure that it has a suspension as well as larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.
If you are planning to use it starting at birth you should look for a travel stroller with a newborn bag. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold, and a variety of accessories, including a newborn bassinet, a rain cover and the most comfortable foot muff.
If you plan to use it for brief trips and holidays it is possible to choose a travel stroll equipped with a car-seat adaptor which can be attached onto the chassis. This allows you to keep your child in their car seat for the majority of the journey. Many travel system bundles come with a car seat already fitted however, you can create your own customized bundle if that's what you prefer.
When you're choosing a travel system, keep in your mind that it's likely to cost more than if you purchase the individual items separately, so consider how much you'll get from each component. You'll need to consider the cost of a base to attach your car seat to your pushchair and any adaptors you might require. You can find these all in stores or online - some brands even offer bundles that include them all making it easier to design your dream travel system!
