Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel pushchair look at things such as the fold as well as the storage space, recline and canopy. You should also look for accessories like a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.

If you're jet-setting often pick a model that's cabin-approved and folds compactly. The Joie Tourist is the perfect choice for this. Its one-hand mechanism makes it easy to fold while juggling toddlers.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair can be folded quickly and compactly for luggage or the trunk of a car. These strollers are specifically designed for use with infants from birth. They often can be fitted with an infant car seat, however adaptors are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or during holidays.

There are many different types of travel pushchairs available on the market, so it's important to choose which one is best for your family. If you have a toddler, you might prefer a stroller with a footrest that is removable to stop your child's legs from hanging. It is also important to think about the amount of storage space you'll need for your child, as this could be a big aspect when selecting a pushchair.

If you're jet-setting often and need a small buggy that fits within the allowance for cabin baggage, look for a model that folds down to around 48cm x43cm and 21.5 cm, which is smaller than the average size of hand luggage. A model that has a clever dynamic fold will be much easier to pack away, as it can fold up like a paperback book.

Another good option is to buy a car seat bundle, which will save you time researching compatible components and money. A brand bundle typically includes a car seat that are designed to be compatible in terms of design and fit. Some brands include extras such as a cup holder or parent organizers, which are useful for traveling.

Certain brands offer additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or double buggy. These are especially helpful if you have older siblings and want to make sure that they have a comfortable place to sit while travelling.

Folding is easy

Travel pushchairs should be easy to fold, especially in tight spaces such as the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which has a one-handed folding mechanism that our parent test found to be incredibly easy to use, is an excellent example. This makes it ideal for parents who want to take their baby on day excursions, local excursions and even air travel.

Another good option is a travel system bundle that combines a pushchair and infant car seats from the same manufacturer. This means you can ensure that the car seat will fit your pushchair and will work with the model you've selected for your baby. These types of bundles are usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately, but it is important to ensure that the items you're planning to buy work together before making the purchase.

If you intend to use your travel stroller on rough terrain, select a model with a solid base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and bumps. Smaller wheels can be difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth roads. Reversible seats can also be useful because your child can be seated with the parent for a while, and then turn to look out into the world as they grow older.

Depending on the time of year you're planning to travel you'll also need to consider whether your pushchair can provide the weather protection you need. A sunshade to protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays and a rain cover that stops snow or water from getting in the pushchair are crucial features. You should purchase an umbrella specifically designed for the model of pushchair, not an ordinary one.

The final requirement is that the pushchair should be compact and lightweight. This is especially true for travel pushchairs which must be capable of folding down to a small size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the smallest pushchairs on the market. It can also be put in the overhead luggage compartments (but not all) of some airlines. Our parent tester found it really comfortable to travel in with her toddler with a large and well-constructed seat unit that reclines for comfortable naps.

Easy to manoeuvre

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

Travel pushchairs generally have smaller wheels to make them smaller and lighter. However, if you are seeking a model to use on rougher terrain or to cross the beach, then opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.

Some brands and retailers offer travel system bundles which include the car seat, pushchair and any other accessories you might require. This is an ideal option if have a clear idea of what you want and don't want to spend a lot of time looking for parts that are compatible. Make sure the components you purchase are compatible before purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of certain brands or ask a retailer.

Easy to store

A travel pushchair that folds compactly and small is crucial if you're looking for something that you can put in the back of your car or fit in an overhead bin on the plane. It's also beneficial if the pushchair has a shoulder harness so you can hold it with one hand - especially in the event that your child gets sleepy!

Consider how often you will utilize the pushchair, and what terrain you will be covering when you choose one. Some travel buggies, like, are only suitable for city walks on smooth pavements. They're not suited for use on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to go off-road and need a more sturdy buggy, ensure it comes with a suspension system and a larger set of wheels that can withstand rougher terrain.

Another thing to consider is whether you'll be using it from birth - if so, look for a travel buggy with a newborn pack or a bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, with a genius one-hand fold and plenty of accessories, including a newborn bassinet, a rain cover and the most comfortable foot muff.

Alternatively, if you know you'll only be using it for holidays and short shopping trips, look for a pushchair that has an adaptor for car seats that can be 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 custom bundle if you prefer.

Consider how often you'll use each item when choosing the travel pram set. It is also important to factor in the price of the base of your car seat and any adaptors you may need to fix it to your pushchair. They are available at stores or online - some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it easier to create your ideal travel system!