10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Travel Pushchair
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 coffee cup or footmuff holder, as well as rain covers.
If you're jet-setting often pick a model that's cabin-approved and folds up compactly. Our test with parents says that the Joie Tourist does this perfectly. Its single-handed folding mechanism makes it simple to use whilst trying to keep your toddler in the right position.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair is a small stroller that folds quickly and compactly, allowing it to be put in luggage for a trip or put in the boot of the car. They are designed to be used with a baby at birth and are often equipped with the option of securing carseats to them but adaptors are required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or holidays.
There are a variety of travel pushchairs to choose from and you must pick the one that is suitable for your family. For example, if you have an infant, you may prefer a buggy with a leg rest to ensure that your child's feet aren't hanging. It is also important to take into consideration the amount of storage space you'll require for your child, as this could be a big aspect when selecting a pushchair.
If you're a frequent traveler and require a compact buggy to fit in your cabin baggage allowance pick a model that folds down into a size of 48cm, 43cm, and 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. If you pick one that features a clever, dynamic folding mechanism, it will be easier to pack, as the buggy can be folded in on itself, like a book.
A travel pushchair and vehicle seat bundle is a different option. This will save you time and money, allowing you to focus on the components that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair with a car seat that are specifically designed to be compatible in terms of design and fit. Some brands provide additional features such as cup holders or a parent organizers, which are useful for traveling.
Some brands sell different add-ons such as a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover that can convert your travel pushchair to Twin Pushchair pushchairs or a double buggy. These are particularly useful for families with older children and want them to have a comfortable place to sit while travelling.
Folding is simple
Travel pushchairs must be easy to fold, especially in small spaces like the cabin of a train or airplane. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with a one-handed mechanism that our testers for parents found to be extremely simple to use. This makes it ideal for parents who intend to take their baby along with them on flights as well as local excursions and day excursions.
A travel system bundle is an alternative option. It is a combination of an infant car seat with a pushchair from the same manufacturer. You can be sure the car seat will fit inside your pushchair, and work with the chassis you've selected for your child. The bundles can be less expensive than purchasing each piece separately. However, it is essential to ensure that the components work together before you buy.
If you're planning to take your pushchair to travel on rough terrain, you should look for one with a sturdy base and wide wheels that can handle bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are hard to control on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are also beneficial as they allow your baby to initially face their parent, and then turn to face the world when they get older.
You'll have to determine whether your stroller can offer the protection you require according to the season you plan to travel. A sunshade to help protect your baby's skin from harmful UV rays, and a rain cover to stop snow or water from getting into the pushchair are crucial features. Make sure you buy a rain cover designed specifically for your model of pushchair, and not a generic one.
Finally, a lightweight and compact design are the primary requirements for any pushchair - however, this is especially applicable to travel pushchairs, which need to be able to fold away quickly to a small size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the smallest pushchairs 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 travel in with her toddler, with a large and high-quality seat unit that reclines to provide a comfortable nap.
Easy to manoeuvre
If you're trying to navigate trains or buses with a sleepy baby, being able to fold and move your stroller easily to allow you to get off and on without disturbing your little one is essential. Choose models that have smooth front wheels that swivel to allow you to pivot and move your cheap stroller effortlessly.
Typically they have smaller wheels than other types of strollers to keep their weight and size low however, if you're looking for something for more rough terrain or a trip across the beach, choose one with larger wheels that are more durable to handle this kind of terrain.
Certain brands and retailers offer travel systems that include car seats, pushchairs and any extras you may need. This is a great choice if you already have an idea of what you're looking for and do not want to spend a lot of time searching for parts that are compatible. Make sure that the components you buy work together before purchasing any travel bundle. Some brands publish this information on the internet or you can contact an agent for assistance.
Easy to store
A pushchair that folds small and compact is essential if you're looking to find something to put in the back of your car or fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. It's also helpful if the pushchair is equipped with a harness for the shoulder to allow you to hold it with one hand - especially in the event that your child gets sleepy!
Consider how often you will use the pushchair and the terrain you will be covering when choosing one. For instance, some buggies are only suitable for a stroll around town or on smooth pavements, and will not cope well off road or on the beach. If you plan to take a trip off-road and require a more robust buggy, ensure that it has a suspension as well as larger wheels that can handle rougher terrain.
If you intend to use it from birth and beyond, then you must you should consider a stroller that comes with a baby pack. The Babyzen Yoyo2 has a brilliant one-hand folding design and comes with a wide range of accessories, including a newborn's bassinet, rain cover, and an extremely comfortable foot muff.
If you are certain that you'll use it only for short shopping trips, opt for a pushchair that has a car seat adaptor that can be attached to the chassis, so you can keep your little one in their comfortable car seat throughout the journey. A lot of travel system bundles come with a car seat that is already fitted however, you can build your own custom bundle if you prefer.
When you're choosing the right travel system, keep in mind that it will often cost more than if you purchase the individual items separately, so think about how much you'll get from each part. It is important to consider the cost of a base to attach your car seat to the pushchair, as well as any adaptors you may require. These can be found at stores or online - some brands offer bundles that include all of them, making it easier to design your perfect travel system!