Buying a Travel Pushchair

When buying a travel pushchair, consider things like the fold, storage space, recline and canopy. Also, look for extras such as a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.

If you're frequently traveling make sure you choose a model which is approved for cabin use and folds down compactly. The Joie Tourist is the perfect choice for this. Its single-handed mechanism makes it easy to fold while you are juggling a toddler.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair can be folded easily and compactly to fit in luggage or the boot of a car. These strollers are specifically designed for use with infants from birth. They often have the option of attaching carseats, but adapters are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and are used for day trips or holidays.

There are a variety of travel pushchairs and you must choose the right one for your family. For instance, if have children, you may prefer a buggy with a leg rest so that the child's feet won't hang. It is also important to consider the amount of storage space you'll require in order to be a major factor when it comes to choosing a buggy.

If you're jet-setting often and require a compact buggy that can fit in the cabin baggage allowance, look for a model that folds down to around 48cm x 43cm in size 21.5 cm - which is less than the average size of hand luggage. If you select one that features an innovative, fluid folding mechanism, it will be easier to carry around, since the buggy can be snapped in on itself, like an old book.

A car seat bundle is a different option. This will save time and money by giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the components that are compatible. A brand-name bundle typically includes a pushchair and car seat that has been specially designed to match each other in terms of design and fit. Some brands offer extras like a cup holder or parent organizers, which are useful when traveling.

Certain brands also offer a variety of different accessories, like baby bassinets and a rain cover, which allow you to convert your travel pushchair into a double buggy or twin pushchair. These are especially helpful for families with older children and want to ensure that they all have a place to sit while traveling.

Folding is simple

A travel pushchair should be simple to fold and manoeuvre especially if you'll be required to maneuver it in tight spaces, such as the cabin of a plane or train. The Joie Pact Pro, which has a one-handed folding mechanism that our parents test discovered to be extremely simple to use, is a great example. This makes it perfect for parents who wish to take their baby on day excursions, local excursions and even air travel.

Another good option is a travel system bundle that incorporates the pushchair and the infant car seats of the same manufacturer. This allows you to be certain that the car seat will fit your pushchair and fit on the chassis you've selected for your baby. These types of bundles are usually a better deal than buying the items individually, but it's important to check that the items you're planning to purchase are compatible before making a purchase.

If you plan to use your travel stroller on rough terrain, choose one with a sturdy base and large wheels capable of handling bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to control on anything but smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are also beneficial as they allow your baby to be seated with the parent for a while and then face the world when they grow older.

You'll need to decide if your pushchair can provide the protection you require depending on the time of the year you're planning to travel. A sunshade protects your baby from harmful UV rays. Likewise, raincovers can stop snow or water from getting into the pushchair. Make sure you buy the right rain cover for your particular model of pushchair, not a generic one.

The last requirement is that the stroller should be compact and lightweight. This is especially true for travel pushchairs which must be able to fold down to a smaller size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be put in the overhead compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a pleasant ride for our tester's parents and her toddler. It features reclined seats that are large and of top quality.

Easy to maneuver

If you're trying to navigate trains or buses with a sleeping baby the ability to fold and maneuver your pushchair with ease so that you can get on and off without causing any disturbance to your child is a must. Look for models with smooth swivel wheels at the front, which makes it easier to move and turn your pushchair.

Travel pushchairs typically come with smaller wheels, which makes them smaller and lighter. However, if you are looking for a product to take on rough terrain or walk along the beach, opt for a model with larger, more robust wheels.

Certain brands and retailers offer travel system bundles that include the car seat, pushchair and any additional accessories you may require. This is an ideal option if have a clear idea of what you want and don't fancy spending hours searching for compatible parts. Always check that the components you purchase are compatible before purchasing a travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of some brands or inquire with the retailer.

Easy to store

If you're planning to put a pushchair that can travel in the boot of your car or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it should be compact and foldable. It's also helpful if the pushchair has a shoulder harness so that you can carry it with one hand, especially if your child falls asleep!

Consider how often you will use the pushchair and the terrain you will be covering when selecting one. Some travel buggies, like are designed for city walks on smooth roads. They're not suitable prams for sale use on the beach or off-road. If you're planning to travel off-road and require an extra sturdy buggy, check that it comes with a suspension system and a larger set of wheels that are able to handle rougher terrain.

If you intend to use it from birth, then look for a travel stroller with a newborn bag. The Babyzen Yoyo2 has a brilliant one-hand folding system and a variety of add-ons including a bassinet for newborns as well as a rain cover and an extremely comfortable foot muff.

If you only plan to use it for short vacations and trips then you might want to go with a stroller with a car-seat adaptor that can be affixed to the chassis. This allows you to keep your child in their car seat for the majority of the trip. Many travel system bundles include a car seat, but you can design your own bundle if you'd like.

When you're choosing the right travel system, keep in your mind that it's likely to cost more than buying the individual items separately, so think about how much use you'll get out of each piece. You'll need to consider the cost of a base to attach your car seat to the pushchair and any adaptors that you may require. You can purchase these items online or in store and some brands offer bundles that include them all making it easier to design your ideal travel system!