Buying a Travel Pushchair

When purchasing a travel stroll look at the fold, storage recline, and canopy. Look for extras like a coffee cup or footmuff holder, and rain covers.

If you are frequently traveling, choose a model with a compact fold and that is approved by the cabin. Our tester for parents says the Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its one-handed folding mechanism makes it easy to use while you are playing with your toddler.

Lightweight

A travel pushchair is a compact, lightweight stroller that folds quickly and compactly so it can be put in luggage for a trip or put in the boot of the car. They are made to be used with a baby from birth and usually come with the option to attach a car seat to them, although adaptors will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and can be used for day trips or holidays.

There are many travel pushchairs to choose from and you must select the best one for your family. If you have a toddler you might want to consider a buggy with a footrest that is removable to stop your child's legs from hanging. It is also important to take into consideration the amount of storage space you will need in order to be a significant aspect when selecting a pushchair.

If you are a frequent jetsetter and need an ultra-compact buggy that can fit into your baggage allowance for cabin travel, choose a model which folds down to a size of 48cm, 43cm, and 21.5cm. This is smaller than the majority of hand luggage. If you select one with an innovative, dynamic folding, it will be easier to carry around, since the buggy can fold in on itself, like an old book.

A travel pushchair and vehicle seat bundle is a different alternative. This will save you time and money, giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair and car seats that are specifically designed to be compatible in terms of style and comfort. They may also offer extras like a parent organizer, or cup holder, which could be a useful addition when travelling.

Some brands sell additional accessories such as a newborn baby bassinet or rain cover to transform your travel pushchair into twin pushchairs or double buggy. These are especially helpful when you have older siblings and you want to ensure they all have a place to sit while traveling.

Easy to fold

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

A travel system bundle is a different option. It combines a car seat and pushchair from the same manufacturer. This means you can ensure 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 bundles can be cheaper than buying each item separately. However, it's essential to ensure that the components work together before purchasing.

If you intend to use your travel stroller on rough terrain, select an option with a sturdy base and wheels that are large enough for handling bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are difficult to control on anything other than smooth surfaces. Reversible seats are also beneficial, as your baby can be seated with the parent for a while and then face the world when they grow older.

Depending on the season you're planning to travel you'll also need to consider whether your pushchair can provide the protection against weather that you require. A sunshade can protect your baby from harmful UV rays, and raincovers can stop water or snow from entering the pushchair. You should buy a raincover that is specifically designed for the model of pushchair and not an ordinary one.

A lightweight and compact design are essential criteria for any pushchair - however, this is especially applicable to travel pushchairs, which must be able to fold down easily into a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact pushchairs on the market. It can also be put in the overhead luggage compartments (but not all) of some airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a relaxing ride for our tester's parents and her toddler. It features reclined seats that are large and of top quality.

Easy to Manoeuvre

If you're traveling through busy train or bus stations with a baby sleeping, being able to fold and maneuver your pushchair easily to allow you to get off and on without disturbing your baby is a must. Look for models with smooth front wheels that swivel to allow you to pivot and move your buggy effortlessly.

Typically the travel pushchairs have smaller wheels than other kinds of strollers to keep their weight and size to a minimum however, if you're looking for something that can handle rough terrain or a trip across the beach, choose one with larger and more durable wheels to take on this type of challenge.

Some retailers and brands offer travel systems that include the car seats, pushchairs and any extras you may need. This is an ideal option if have a clear idea of what you want and don't fancy spending hours searching for the right parts. Always check that the components you buy work together before purchasing any travel bundle. Some brands publish this information online, or you can ask a retailer for help.

Easy to store

If you want to fit a pushchair for travel in your car's trunk or in the overhead bin of an airplane, it must be Compact pushchair and foldable. It's also helpful if your pushchair has a shoulder harness to allow you to hold it with one hand - especially if your child falls asleep!

Consider how often you'll use the pushchair and the terrain you will be covering when you choose one. Some travel buggies, like are designed for walking around town on smooth pavements. They won't work well on the beach or off-road. If you're planning on going off-road and need a more robust buggy, check that it comes with suspension as well as a larger set of wheels that can withstand rougher terrain.

Another thing to think about is whether you'll use it from the beginning - if so, you should look for a travel buggy with baby's pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant 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 on short vacations and trips 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 duration of the journey. Many travel systems include an already-fitted car seat however, you can assemble your own customised bundle if you prefer.

Consider how much you will make use of each item when you choose a travel set. Also, you'll need to take into account the cost of the base for your car seat as well as any adaptors that you might require to attach it to your pushchair. These are all available in stores or online - some brands even offer bundles that include them all making it easier to create your dream travel system!