What Sets Travel Prams Apart From Regular Prams?
While all prams aim to provide convenience and safety for your little ones, travel prams have been specifically engineered for the jet-setting family. They merge the essential features of a pram with the demands of travel, emphasising lightweight structures, ultra-compact folding capabilities, and swift operational mechanisms. In contrast, regular prams might prioritise aspects like extended durability, larger storage, or more extensive canopy coverage. Let’s delve into the unique characteristics that make travel prams the preferred choice for globetrotters and urban adventurers.
Lightweight Materials
Travel prams often use materials like aluminium for their frames to cut down on bulk without sacrificing durability. This is a significant advantage when navigating crowded airports or bustling city streets, as a lighter pram is easier to push and carry. The ease of lifting the pram into car trunks, onto buses, or up a flight of stairs becomes a convenient feature, especially when travelling solo with a child. Moreover, the fabrics used for seating and canopies are generally more breathable and lighter, contributing to reduced weight. In general, travel prams usually weigh between 5-8 kilograms, although some ultra-light models weigh even less.
Compact Design
One of the standout features of a travel pram is its ability to fold down into a compact size. Whether it’s fitting the pram into a small car trunk or storing it in a cramped apartment, a compact fold makes life easier. Some compact strollers even fold small enough to fit into your carry-on luggage or the overhead compartments of aeroplanes. This makes them easy to take with you on any mode of transport.
Quick and Easy Folding Mechanism
Time is of the essence when you’re on the move, and a pram that can be folded or unfolded in a matter of seconds is invaluable. Travel prams often feature a one-hand fold mechanism to ensure you can fold or unfold the pram within seconds, freeing up your other hand to hold your child or additional items. Others even offer a self-standing fold, meaning that the pram will stand upright by itself once folded, eliminating the need to bend down to pick it up.
Our Top Picks for Travel Prams
At Metro Baby, we understand that choosing the right travel pram is about balancing comfort, convenience, and durability. That’s why we’ve handpicked the crème de la crème of travel prams, rigorously tested for ease of use and durability. Whether you’re a jet-setter or a city explorer, here are our top picks for travel prams that are designed to make your life on the go as smooth as possible:
1
Bugaboo Butterfly Travel Pram
The Bugaboo Butterfly Travel Pram is a game-changer for parents on the go, offering a blend of style, convenience, and comfort. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the features justify the cost, especially for families who travel frequently.
Standout Features:
- Extendable UPF 50+ Sun Canopy: The stroller comes with an extendable sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection, which is a great addition for sunny days.
- Adaptability: The stroller is suitable from six months but can be adapted for use from birth with separately purchased adapters and a compatible car seat.
Pros:
- Foldable: One of the standout features is its ultra-compact fold. It’s IATA-compatible, meaning it can be used as carry-on luggage on planes.
- Easy to Use: The lightweight stroller has an easy one-handed fold using two buttons pressed together. It’s just as easy to unfold, often snapping straight into place.
- Stylish Design: The Bugaboo Butterfly is a stylish and modern pushchair that comes in three colour options, all on a sleek black chassis.
- Comfort: The seat is roomy and comfortable, with a padded insert to make your bub more comfortable. The high backrest ensures that it will last until your child is around four years old.
- Large Basket: The large storage basket underneath is a convenient feature for storing baby essentials or shopping bags.
Cons:
- Limited Colour Choices: One downside is the limited colour options available.
- Seat Recline: The seat doesn’t fully recline, which might be an issue for some parents.
- Brake Force: The brake pedal requires a bit of force to engage, which could be a minor inconvenience.
2
Joolz Aer+ Pram
The Joolz Aer Pram is known for its super lightweight and easy one-hand foldable mechanism. This is the updated version, featuring an expanded storage basket and ventilation hood.
Standout Features:
- Safety Harness System: This baby pram features an easy-to-use 5-point harness system that adjusts effortlessly, making it a breeze to get your wriggly baby in and out.
- Storage and Weather Protection: The pram comes equipped with a zippered storage bag at the back and a basket underneath that can hold up to 11 pounds. Additional features include a retractable UPF 50+ sunshade with a mesh peek-a-boo window and a clear plastic rain cover.
Pros:
- Sustainable Fabric: The Joolz Aer is designed with the environment in mind, using sustainable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
- Ease of Use: The pram comes fully assembled and is incredibly easy to set up. It boasts a one-hand, one-second opening mechanism, which is a godsend when you’re juggling both baby and bags.
- Stylish and Chic: The pram oozes quality and style, available in three attractive colours: Taupe, Anthracite, and Refined Black.
- Comfortable Seat: The seat is generously padded and 45cm wide, making it comfortable for your child. It’s suitable for children up to 22kg, approximately up to 4 years old.
- Integrated Shoulder Strap: This makes the pram easier to carry if you need to carry the baby in your arms, which is especially useful if you’re climbing a flight of stairs.
Cons:
- Price Tag: It’s on the more expensive side, comparable to other high-end travel buggies like the Babyzen Yoyo.
- Seat Recline: The seat doesn’t fully recline, making it unsuitable for newborns unless you purchase the additional travel cot bundle.
- Forward-Facing Only: The toddler seat is fixed in a forward-facing position, which might be a downside for parents who prefer their child to face them.
3
UPPAbaby MINU V2
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is a versatile, travel-friendly stroller that combines comfort and convenience, making it a popular choice for road trips, city strolls, and everything in between. Its modern design and quality construction offer a blend of style and functionality.
Standout Features:
- Adjustable Leg Rest: The stroller comes with an adjustable leg rest that can be adjusted with just one hand.
- No-Rethread Harness: The harness is easy to adjust without rethreading, making it convenient for growing kids.
- Leather Accents: The stroller features a beautiful leather bumper bar and handlebar, adding a touch of luxury.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighing just around 7.7 kg, this pram is ideal for parents who are always on the go, whether it’s navigating city streets or boarding a plane.
- Quality and Comfort: The stroller offers a roomy seat that can hold up to 23 kilograms and features a multi-position recline to keep your precious bub comfortable. The all-wheel suspension ensures a smooth ride.
- Convenient Features: The stroller comes with a UPF50+ canopy with a peekaboo window, a carry handle, and a shoulder strap for easy portability.
- Easy to Fold: The MINU V2 has an easy one-hand, one-step collapsible fold, making it convenient for parents who often have their hands full.
- Updated Design: The stroller seat and canopy have been redesigned for a more modern look. The canopy now has a zippered extension panel for a streamlined appearance.
- Storage: The stroller features a deeper basket for more storage space, which is a boon for parents who need to carry baby essentials.
Cons:
- Newborn Compatibility: The stroller is designed for use from 3 months and up, but add-on accessories are needed to make it suitable for newborn babies.
- Non-Adjustable Handlebar: The handlebar is not adjustable, which could be a drawback for taller caregivers.
4
Edwards & Co Otto Travel Stroller
For parents who are constantly juggling between errands and playdates, the Otto Travel Stroller is a solid investment. It’s compact, durable, and incredibly easy to use, making it a reliable companion for both everyday errands and international adventures.
Standout Features:
- Puncture-Proof Wheels: The wheels are designed to be puncture-proof, giving you peace of mind when strolling through varied terrains.
- Adjustable Footrest: It comes with an adjustable footrest, adding an extra layer of comfort for your little one.
Pros:
- Compact and Travel-Friendly: This stroller is a lifesaver when it comes to travel. It fits in most airline overhead compartments, making every trip a breeze.
- Newborn-Friendly: One of the best features is that the seat lies flat, making it suitable for newborns without needing any additional attachments. This is a huge plus, especially if your baby is still too young to sit up on their own.
- Durability: Strong and sturdy, it can handle uneven footpaths and cobblestone roads like a champ.
- Ease of Use: It’s incredibly easy to fold and unfold with just one hand, a feature every parent will appreciate when holding their baby in the other arm.
- Maneuverability: It’s very easy to push and maneuver, even in crowded places, thanks to its excellent build quality.
Cons:
- Small Storage Basket: The storage space is a bit limited, so you have to be selective about what baby products to bring along.
- Short Sun Canopy: The sun canopy could be a bit longer for better sun protection.
- Weak Handle Material: The material on the handle can get damaged easily, so you might want to be extra careful there.
5
Silver Cross Jet 3
For Aussie mums and dads who are always on the lookout for a stroller that can keep up with their busy and always-on-the-go lifestyle, the Silver Cross Jet 3 is worth a look. It’s well-designed, practical, and stylish, catering to the needs of the modern Australian family.
Standout Features:
- Magnetic Buckle: The stroller features a genius magnetic buckle that’s simple and safe to use.
- Removable Bumper Bar: The bumper bar doubles as a carry handle when the stroller is folded, making it easy to wheel along like a suitcase.
Pros
- Compact and Lightweight: It’s so compact that it fits in most overhead compartments on planes, and it’s lightweight enough to carry around effortlessly.
- Quality and Comfort: The seat is well-designed, offering a full lie-flat recline, which is great for naps on the go. The dynamic spring suspension adds to the comfort level, making it a smooth ride for your little one.
- Easy to Fold: Once you get the hang of it, folding the stroller is a breeze. It even has a one-step fold feature, which is super convenient when you’re in a hurry.
- Storage: The under-seat storage basket is 20% bigger than the original Silver Cross Jet, making it easier to carry all the baby essentials.
- Stylish Design: The stroller comes with a beautiful leather bumper bar and handlebar, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.
Cons
- Complicated Fold: The folding mechanism can be a bit complicated and may take some practice to get it right.
- Terrain Handling: While it’s easy to push on most surfaces, it struggles a bit on unpaved roads, which can be a bit of a letdown if you’re fond of going on off-road adventures.
6
Babyzen YOYO2
Super lightweight and stylish, this travel-friendly stroller is perfect for urban parents. Its compact and quick-fold design, combined with its quality construction, offers a blend of convenience and comfort for both parent and child.
Standout Features:
- Decent-Sized Storage Basket: Despite its compact size, the stroller does offer a decent-sized storage basket.
- User-Friendly Features: The stroller is known for its user-friendly features, making it a popular choice among parents who value convenience.
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight: The YOYO2 is incredibly easy to carry around and maneuver, making it perfect for city living or frequent travel.
- Smooth Ride: The stroller offers a smooth ride with good suspension, ensuring your baby’s comfort during strolls.
- Car Seat Compatibility: The stroller is compatible with car seats, which makes stroller-to-vehicle transitions hassle-free.
- Reclining Seat: The seat reclines well, allowing your little one to nap comfortably when you’re out and about.
Cons:
- Harness Issues: The harness straps, although high-end and comfortable, tend to come loose easily, requiring frequent adjustments.
- Brake Pedal: While the brake pedal is easy to use, it’s on the smaller side, which might be an issue for some.
What to Look For in Travel Prams
With so many travel pram options in the market, how do you choose the right one for your family? Here are some key features to consider when shopping for one:
Portability: The primary reason you’re considering a travel pram is likely its portability. Look for prams that are lightweight and easy to fold. Some models even offer a one-hand fold feature, which is incredibly convenient when you’re juggling luggage and a baby.
Compact Size: A good travel pram should be compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car, on public transport, or even in your hand-carry bag. Check the folded dimensions to ensure it meets your specific travel needs.
Durability: Travel can be tough on prams, so you’ll want one that’s built to last. Look for sturdy materials and quality construction. Some prams also come with travel bags to protect them during transit.
Comfort and Safety: Your baby’s comfort and safety should be a primary consideration when choosing a travel pram. Look for a pram with a well-padded seat, multiple recline positions, and good suspension for a smooth ride. Also, ensure it has a 5-point safety harness and a canopy to protect your bub from the sun and wind.
Storage Space: When you’re on the go, you’ll need room to store essentials like diapers, snacks, and extra clothes. A pram with a spacious storage basket can make your life much easier.
Adaptability: Some travel prams are adaptable and can be used from newborn through toddler stages, which offers better value for your money. Check if the pram is compatible with car seats or has a bassinet option for newborns.
Additional Features: Some prams come with extra features and travel accessories like cup holders, snack trays, or even phone chargers. While not essential, these can add convenience to your travels.
Travel Prams vs. Travel Systems
Travel prams and travel systems serve similar purposes but come with distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Travel prams are lightweight, compact strollers designed primarily for portability and ease of use while on the go. They are ideal for families who frequently travel or use public transportation, offering quick folding mechanisms and basic features like a sun canopy and some storage.
On the other hand, travel systems are multi-piece sets that include a full-featured stroller and a compatible infant car seat. They are versatile, suitable for use from the newborn stage to the toddler years, and come with additional features like large storage baskets and multiple recline positions.
While travel prams excel in portability, travel systems offer comprehensive features and the convenience of a car seat-stroller combo, making them more versatile but often bulkier and more expensive.
Travel Pram Accessories to Checkout
If you’re looking to make the most out of your travel pram, choosing the right accessories can make all the difference. From ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety to adding convenience for you, the right add-ons can transform your travel pram into a versatile, all-in-one solution. Here are some must-have travel pram accessories to consider:
- car seat adapter
- rain cover
- cup holder
- storage basket
- travel bag
- baby capsule or bassinet
Find Your Perfect Travel Companion at Metro Baby
Don’t let the stress of travel dampen your family adventures. At Metro Baby, we offer a curated selection of top-quality travel prams to make your journeys with your little one easier and more convenient. Shop our selection today and find the perfect travel pram that suits your family’s lifestyle and needs.