5 Lessons You Can Learn From Travel Pushchair
Buying a Travel Pushchair
When purchasing a pushchair for travel, consider things like the fold as well as the recline, storage space and canopy. Also, look for additional features like a footmuff, coffee cup holder and rain cover.
If you're jet-setting often, choose a model that's cabin-approved and folds compactly. The Joie Tourist is a great choice for this. Its one-hand mechanism makes it easy to fold when trying to manage a toddler.
Lightweight
A travel pushchair can be folded easily and compactly to fit in luggage or the car's boot. They are designed to be used with infants from birth and usually come with the option of securing an infant car seat, although adaptors will be required. Some are suitable for toddlers and are used for day trips or on holidays.
There are many travel pushchairs to choose from which is why you should pick the one that is suitable for your family. For example, if you have a toddler, you might prefer a pushchair with a removable leg rest so that the child's feet don't dangle. It is also important to think about the amount of storage space you'll require in order to be a big aspect when selecting a pushchair.
If you are an avid traveler and require an ultra-compact buggy that can fit into your baggage allowance for cabin travel, choose a model which folds down to a dimension of 48cm, 43cm, and 21.5cm. This is smaller than most hand luggage. If you pick one with a clever, dynamic folding system, it's easier to pack, as the buggy can be folded in on itself, like an old book.
A vehicle seat bundle is another option. This will save you money and time by allowing you to focus on the parts that are compatible. Brand bundles usually include a pushchair with car seats that are specifically designed to fit in terms of style and comfort. They might also include extras like a parent facing pram organizer or cup holder, which can be useful when traveling.
Certain brands also offer a variety of different add-ons, such as baby bassinets and a rain cover, to allow you to transform your travel pushchair into a double buggy or twin pushchair. These are particularly useful for families with older children and want them to have an area to sit comfortably when travelling.
Folding is easy
Travel pushchairs car seats should be easy to fold, especially in small spaces like the cabin of an airplane or train. The Joie Pact Pro is a good example, with an easy-to-use mechanism that our parent tester found to be extremely simple to use. This makes it perfect for parents who plan to take their baby along with them on flights as well as local excursions and day excursions.
Another good option is a travel bundle that combines an infant car seats from the same brand. This means you can be sure that the car seat is compatible with your pushchair and be compatible with the chassis you've chosen for your baby. These kinds of bundles can be cheaper than purchasing the components separately, however it is important to ensure that the items you're planning to buy work together before making the purchase.
If you plan to use your pushchair for travel on rough terrain, look for something that has a solid base with large and wide wheels that can cope with bumps and lumps. Smaller wheels are more difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth pavements. Reversible seats are also beneficial, as your child can sit in front of you at first, and then turn around to explore the world around them as they grow older.
You'll need to decide whether your stroller can offer the protection you require according to the season you're planning 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 in the pushchair pram are important features. You should buy an umbrella specifically designed for your model of pushchair and not a generic one.
Finally, a lightweight and compact design are essential specifications for any pushchair, however, this is especially true of travel pushchairs, which must be able to fold away easily into a compact size. The Bugaboo Butterfly is one of the most compact Prams Pushchairs Prams on the market. It can also be tucked away in the overhead compartments for luggage (but not all) of certain airlines. The Bugaboo Butterfly was a comfortable ride for our parent tester and her toddler. It offers reclined seats that are large and of top quality.
Easy to Manoeuvre
It is essential to be able to fold and maneuver the pushchair easily and quickly when you're navigating busy bus or train stations with a child sleeping. This allows you to get in and out of the vehicle without disturbing your infant. Find models with smooth pivoting front wheels that allow you to pivot and move your pushchair effortlessly.
Travel pushchairs generally have smaller wheels to keep 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 which include a pushchair, car seat and any additional extras you might require. This is a great choice if you already have an idea of what you want but do not want to spend a lot of time looking for the right parts. Make sure that the components you purchase work together before purchasing any travel bundle. You can find this information on websites of a few brands or ask the retailer.
Easy to store
A pushchair for travel that folds down small and compact is essential if you're looking for something to put in the boot or easily fit into an overhead bin on an airplane. It's also helpful if your pushchair has a shoulder harness so you can hold it with one hand - especially when your child is asleep!
When selecting a travel pushchair, think about the frequency of use and the kind of terrain you'll cover. Some travel buggies, for instance are designed for walking around town on smooth pavements. They're not suitable for use on the beach or off-road. If you're planning on going off-road and require a more sturdy buggy, make sure 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 buggy that has baby's pack or bassinet. The Babyzen Yoyo2 is a great model, featuring a brilliant one-hand fold, and a variety of add-ons including a newborn bassinet, a rain cover and a seriously snuggly foot muff.
If you're certain you'll only be using it for holidays and short shopping trips, go for a travel pushchair with an adaptor for carseats that is attached to the chassis, so you can keep your baby in their comfortable car seat throughout the trip. Many travel systems include a car seat that is already fitted however, you can assemble your own customised bundle if you prefer.
When choosing a travel system, bear in your mind that it's likely to cost more than if you buy the separate items separately, so think about how much use you'll get from each piece. You'll need 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 online or in stores - some brands offer bundles that comprise all of them, making it easier to design your ideal travel system!