What To Look For In A Travel Pram?

Travelling with your little one can be both a joyful adventure and a challenge; it all depends on the pram you have. Traditional prams can be bulky, difficult to push and too heavy. That's why you need a travel pram and the right one for that matter. Travel prams are uniquely made to prioritise travel efficiency. They're light, portable, and easy to use, making them a convenient solution for any travelling parent.

In this guide, we'll give you some key factors to consider when choosing a travel pram for your child.

What's the difference between a travel pram and a traditional pram?

When you look at a traditional pram, they're built for comfort and convenience. They'll have extra storage space and padding to ensure your baby has a comfy place to sleep while you're out and about. Some even have hoods on them for when the sun is out. Travel prams on the other hand are specifically designed to provide you with a convenient travel option that can fold away, making it easier to carry for when you're travelling. That's the main difference between the two.

Questions to ask

Before you even start shopping for a travel pram, there are a few good questions we'd suggest you ask yourself. These questions will just help you choose the best pram for your kid. Here they are:

How old is your baby

Considering the age of your child will have a big impact on what pram you choose. For instance, if your baby is under 6 months old, they'd need a stroller that has a flat seat like a bassinet. In this case, a stroller with a reclining seat would be ideal. But if you're purchasing a stroller for a toddler, then you don't need to be too concerned about the style. Just ensure that it's comfortable and easy to use.

What purpose will you use the pram for - travel / everyday use?

Do you want to use this travel pram for everyday trips to the shop or around the town, or is it going to be for long-distance travel? If you're after both, then you'll want to buy a pram that'll suit both uses. For example, it would need to be strong enough for day-to-day use and small enough to take with you if you're flying.

What surfaces your pram will be used on

Think about where you'll be using your travel stroller, both at home and while you're away. Are you mostly dealing with flat surfaces, or will you be tackling hills? Are you strolling on smooth concrete, or will you be bumping over cobblestones? Will you be in airports and shopping centres or exploring parks and outdoor areas?

If you're not just sticking to smooth surfaces like those in airports and malls, you should look for:

●      Larger wheels

●      Good suspension

●      A comfy padded seat

●      High-quality wheels (premium rubber is better than plastic)

These features might add a bit of weight to the stroller, but they're definitely worth it for a smoother ride for your little one and an easier push for you.

Specifications to look for

Now we get to the fun part: time to go shopping! These are a few specifications that we suggest you look for when you're choosing a travel pram. Following this guide should help you choose the most ideal pram for travelling. Check them out:

It must be able to fold

This is a given, but a travel pram needs to have a folding mechanism. If not, how will you fold it to take it on a plane or put it in the boot of your car? So make sure the pram you choose can fold.

Compact and light

The whole idea of a travel pram is that it's easy to travel with, so if it isn't light and compact then it shouldn't have the title. You want a travel pram that will be lightweight and compact. It needs to be easy to manoeuvre in tight areas, light airports or malls.

Are you able to carry it?

Is your pram portable when folded? This is also important to consider because you don't want to have to carry a large, bulky pram around the airport. Check if it comes in a carry bag or with straps to help you carry it while it's folded.

It needs to last

This goes for any pram, it must be durable. If you're going to use your travel pram often it needs to last right? The solution for this is to buy quality. Look for prams made with good quality materials that can take knocks and still last.

Get a multi-terrain pram

Consider the terrain you're going to be tackling. For instance, if you go hiking with your baby often then you'll want a lightweight pram that can also handle the terrain you're on. This means bigger wheels and a sturdier frame.

Will it be comfortable?

Comfortability is important for our kids. It can literally be the difference between a sleeping and crying baby. So, ensure that the travel pram you buy is reasonably comfortable. It doesn't need to have premium comfort but just needs to be comfortable enough to keep your child happy.

Make sure you have some storage options

Because travel prams are designed to be extremely portable, there's a good chance that they'll have limited storage. But, if you can find a travel pram with any storage, that's a bonus already. Storage is a parent's best friend when you have a newborn or a toddler.

Is it within your budget?

Lastly, what's your budget? A travel pram is meant to be used for travel, so it might not be the main pram your child uses every day. For this reason, you don't want to break the bank spending on it. We'd suggest doing some research on how much travel programs cost and creating a budget from there. Then, stick to your budget and don't go over it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're an avid hiker or travel a lot for work, having a good travel pram is always beneficial. Remember, travel prams need to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry so that they can be taken anywhere with you. Happy shopping!