Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel stroll take into consideration the fold, storage, recline, and canopy. Also, look for accessories like a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.

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 one-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold when you are juggling a toddler.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair can be folded easily and compactly to fit into luggage or the boot of a car. They are designed to be used with babies at birth and are often equipped with the option of attaching carseats to them but adaptors are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or during holidays.

There are many travel pushchairs to choose from, so you need to select the best one for your family. If you have a toddler, you may prefer a buggy with a footrest that is removable to prevent the legs of the child from hanging. When you are choosing a stroller it is essential to think about the amount of storage you will need.

If you're jet-setting often and want a Compact Pushchair buggy that fits in the allowance for cabin baggage Choose a model that folds down to around 48cm x43cm and 21.5 cm - which is less than the typical size of hand luggage. A model that features an intelligent dynamic fold is much easier to pack away, as it can fold up like the pages of a book.

A car seat bundle is another alternative. This will save you money and time by giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the components that are compatible. A brand bundle typically includes a car seat that have been specifically made to complement each other in terms of design and fit. Some brands provide additional features like cup holders or a parent organizers, which can be useful when traveling.

Some brands sell additional accessories like a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can convert your travel pushchair to a twin travel pushchair or double buggy. These are particularly useful if you have older children and need a comfortable seat when travelling.

Easy to fold

A travel pushchair should be easy to fold and maneuver especially if you'll be required to fold it into tight spaces, like the cabin of a plane or train. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with one-handed operation that our parent tester found to be extremely simple to use. This makes it perfect for parents who want to take their child on day excursions, local excursions and air travel.

Another good alternative is a travel system bundle that includes the pushchair and the infant car seat of the same manufacturer. This way, you can be certain that the car seat is compatible with the pushchair you have chosen and will work with the model you've selected for your baby. These kinds of bundles can be cheaper than purchasing the components separately, however it's important to check whether the items you're looking to purchase are compatible before making the purchase.

If you plan to use your stroller on rough terrain, select one with a sturdy base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and bumps. Smaller wheels are harder to control on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are handy, so that your baby can face you at first and then turn to explore the world around them as they grow older.

Depending on the time of year you plan to travel, you'll also need to consider whether your pushchair can provide the protection against weather you require. A sunshade to protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays, and a rain cover that stops snow or water from entering the pushchair are essential features. Make sure to purchase a rain cover designed specifically for your specific model of pushchair, and not an unspecific one.

The final requirement is that the stroller should be lightweight and compact. This is especially true for travel pushchairs, which need to be capable of folding stroller down to a compact 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. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a relaxing ride for our tester's parents and her toddler. It has large reclining seats that are reclining and of top quality.

Easy to manoeuvre

If you're navigating busy bus or train stations with a sleeping baby the ability to fold and maneuver your pushchair with ease so that you can get off and on without disturbing your baby is a must. Find models with smooth swivel wheels that are on the front, which makes it easier to move and turn your pushchair.

Typically, travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other types of strollers to keep their weight and size down However, if you're looking to get something for more rough terrain or a trip to the beach, select one that has bigger wheels that are more durable to handle this kind of challenge.

Certain brands and retailers offer travel systems that include pushchair, car seats and other items you might need. This is a great option if you already have an idea of what you want but don't have time looking for compatible parts. Make sure that the components you purchase are compatible before purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of a few brands or consult the retailer.

Easy to store

A travel system prams pushchair that folds compactly and small is essential if you're looking for something to pop in the boot or easily fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. It's also helpful if the pushchair comes with a shoulder harness so you can hold it in one arm - especially in the event that your child gets sleepy!

Consider how often you'll utilize the pushchair, and what terrain you will be covering when you choose one. Some travel buggies, like are best suited for city walks on smooth roads. They're not suited for use on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to travel off-road and need a more rugged buggy, make sure it is equipped with a suspension and larger wheels that can handle rough terrain.

Another thing to consider is whether you'll need it from birth - if you do, then look for a buggy that has an infant pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great example, featuring a clever one-hand fold, and a variety of accessories, including a newborn bassinet with a rain cover as well as an extremely comfortable foot muff.

If you plan to use it for brief excursions and vacations then you might want to go with a stroller equipped with a car seat adaptor that can be attached onto the chassis. This will allow you to keep your child in their car seat for the majority of the journey. Many travel system bundles include car seats, but you can make your own custom bundle if you'd prefer.

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