Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel pushchair take into consideration things like the fold, recline, storage space and canopy. You should also consider additional features like a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.

If you're jet-setting often make sure you choose a model which is approved for cabin use and folds down compactly. The Joie Tourist is the ideal option for this. Its single-handed folding mechanism makes it easy to use while trying to keep your toddler in the right position.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair folds easily and compactly to fit into luggage or the trunk of a car. These strollers are specifically designed for use with babies from birth. They typically have the option of attaching a car seat, but adaptors are required. Some are also suitable for toddlers, making them a good option for day and holiday excursions.

There are many different types of travel pushchairs available on the market, and it's crucial to choose which one is suitable for your family. If you have a child, you may prefer a buggy with a removable foot rest to prevent the legs of the child from hanging. When selecting a stroller, it is essential to think about how much storage space you'll need.

If you're jet-setting often and need a small buggy that fits within the allowance for cabin baggage, look for models that fold down to around 48cm x43cm and 21.5 cm - smaller than the typical size of hand luggage. If you pick one that features an innovative, fluid folding, it will be much easier to carry around, since the buggy can fold into itself, much like an old book.

A car seat bundle is another option. This can save you time and money by giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles typically include a pushchair and a car seat that is specifically designed to be compatible in terms of style and comfort. Some brands provide additional features like a cup holder or parent organizers, which can be useful when traveling.

Some brands sell additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover to transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or a double buggy. These are especially useful for families with older children and need a comfortable seat when travelling.

Folding is simple

Travel pushchairs should be easy to fold, especially in small spaces like the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which features a one-handed folding mechanism that our test with parents found to be extremely easy to use, is an excellent example. This makes it perfect for parents who wish to take their child on day trips, local excursions, and air travel.

Another good option is a travel bundle that combines a pushchair and baby car seat from the same brand. You can be certain that the car seat will fit inside your pushchair, and work with the chassis that you've chosen for your child. These bundles can be cheaper than buying each item separately. However, it is essential to ensure that the components are compatible before you buy.

If you're planning to take your travel pushchair on rough terrain, choose one with a sturdy base with large and wide wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are hard to control on anything but smooth pavements. A reversible seat is also handy, so that your baby can face you to start with and then turn 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 pushchair will provide the protection against weather that you require. A sunshade protects your child from harmful UV rays, and a raincover will prevent snow or water from getting into the pushchair. You should choose a raincover specifically designed for your particular model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.

The last requirement is that the stroller should be light and compact. This is especially important for travel pushchairs that must be capable of folding down to a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact stroller pushchairs available on the market. It can also be put in the overhead compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. Our parent tester found it really comfortable to ride in with her toddler with a spacious and high-quality seat unit that reclines to provide a comfortable nap.

Easy to Manoeuvre

It is essential to be able to fold and maneuver the pushchair quickly and easily in busy train or bus stations with a sleeping child. This will allow you to get in and out of the vehicle without disturbing your infant. Find models with smooth swivel front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your buggy effortlessly.

Typically the travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other types of strollers to keep their weight and size low, but if you want something that can handle rough terrain or for a walk to the beach, select one with larger, more robust wheels to take on this type of challenge.

Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles that include the car seat, pushchair and any additional extras you might need. This is a great option if you know exactly what you need and don't want to spend a lot of time searching for the right parts. However, always check that the items you buy work together before buying a travel package. Certain brands provide this information on the internet or you can contact an agent for assistance.

Easy to store

A pushchair that folds small and compact is crucial if you're looking for something that you can put into the boot or fit in an overhead bin on a plane. It's also helpful to have an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can carry it in one hand - this is especially useful if your child is asleep!

Think about how often you'll use the pushchair and the terrain you will be covering when selecting one. For example, some travel buggies are designed for strolling around town or on smooth pavements and won't perform well off the road or at the beach. If you're planning to travel off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure it comes with suspension as well as more wheels that can handle rougher surfaces.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether you'll use it from birth. If so, look for a travel buggy with a newborn pack or a bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, featuring a clever one-hand fold, and a variety of extras, including a baby bassinet, a rain cover and the most comfortable foot muff.

If you intend to use it on short trips and holidays, you may want to consider a stroller 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 bulk of the journey. A lot of travel system bundles come pram with car seat a car seat, but you can design your own custom bundle if you'd like.

Consider how often you'll use each item when choosing a travel set. You'll also need to factor in the price of the base for your car seat and any adaptors that you might require to connect it to your pushchair. They can be purchased online or in stores - some brands offer bundles that comprise all of them, making it simple to design your ideal travel system!