All travel prams are small, small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of your plane. But some are smaller than others, and if your considering carrying your stroller often, you might want to the Babyzen Yoyo Stroller is a popular choice, as it’s one of the smallest on the market, weighing just 6.2kg and measuring 44cm wide. If you are going off size alone, we also love the Redsbaby Skip2 Stroller, weighing in at a nifty 6.9kg and 45cm in width. Once again proving that great things come in small packages. With its lightweight UPF50+ high performance materials and considered design, this stroller has great wheels, ventilation, storage, and an integrated carry strap for ease when your hands are tied with something else slightly more important!
The best strollers of 2024 that make travelling a breeze.
If you take your kid on a trip anywhere from the age of zero to four, you're going to need a travel pram. And if it isn't exactly a need, it would definitely make things a lot easier. They’re lightweight, foldable, easy to manoeuvre and will help you get them around when you're rushing for a flight, getting through busy streets or are taking them to a dinner they'll definitely fall asleep at. Here’s how to choose the very best travel pram or stroller to suit your needs.
What is a travel pram?
As the name suggests, a travel pram is a portable stroller that's ideal for travelling. They are more compact, generally weigh less, and are easy to fold up for plane or car travel.
How do travel prams work?
Put simply, a travel stroller works in much the same way as all prams do, however, their point of difference is the way they're compact, lightweight and able to fold up easily. Many of our travel prams fold up with the click of a single button meaning once you get the hang of them, you can even do it one-handed! On top of this, they can even be taken on planes and stored in the overhead compartment, a total game changer when it comes to travelling with young children.
What is the travel pram's dimensions?
This can vary per airline so always make sure to double check prior to flying. Generally speaking, the standard travel stroller dimensions allowed are 56cm x 36cm x 23 cm, and carry on weight is around least 7kgs and max 10kgs.
8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Travel Pram
1. Pram Size
2. Baby age (and size)
One thing to keep in mind is the age of your child when looking for a stroller. If you're baby is under six months when you want to use it, or over 6 months but not yet sitting up, you'll want a travel stroller with a bassinet. Joolz Aer+ is a great choice. It has a bassinet with a breathable, thick double mattress and extended sun hood with ventilation and added protection, your newborn is guaranteed a comfortable ride, all tucked away in a 8kg package. The UppaBaby Minu V2 offers a great bassinet accessory add on, and a seat that has a flat recline so it can also be used from newborn up to 4 years old. Prefer to stick to a car capsule when transitioning from drive to stroll? No problem! The UppaBaby Minu V2 is also compatible (via an adapter) with a car seat capsule, so is the Bugaboo Butterfly. If your child 6 months and older the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller could be best suited to you, with its multi-level reclining extra-large seat with comfortable cushioning and supportive head rest is great for taller toddler and preschoolers. In a pinch, a 5-year-old can comfortable cruise around.
3. Portibility
This is of course a no-brainer. A travel pram is lightweight and sleek enough so it doesn’t affect your luggage allowance and have a strap to sling it over your shoulder so you can carry it around with ease and fold up with virtually one touch. If this is your number one priority, you’re in luck, as the Babyzen Yoyo3, Joolz Aer+, and Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller all fit the bill here. They are all incredibly lightweight and incorporate a padded, comfortable shoulder strap making carrying it a breeze. If carrying something on your shoulder isn’t your forte, then the UppaBaby Minu and Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller each have a travel backpack option, where the pram fits cleverly in a compact, protective backpack, leaving both your arms free. It's important to keep in mind that in Australia many airlines require your travel pram to be in a bag to go into carry on. It doesn't have to be a dedicated stoller bag, but they do make it easier.
4. Ease of use
Travelling can be stressful enough without having complicated products that, instead of helping you, make your experience more challenging. That is why it is crucial to invest in a travel pram that is super easy to use no matter who is wheeling your baby around in it. For this reason, we love the UppaBaby Minu. Its simple one-handed fold and unfold is a game changer, especially when your other arm is likely to be occupied with something else a little more precious! It can also be manoeuvred with one hand, with it’s amazing 360-degree pivot wheels leaving you to pull a suitcase with your free arm. The bottom storage compartment is also generous in size, with a 9kg weight limit, handy for any extra overflow items for when you may have backed a little too well!
5. Comfort
They say that comfort is key and whilst you can’t predict much as a parent, we can in fact assure you on a blissful, smooth and comfortable ride on your journey from A to B with your little one safely one in tow. If a lie flat recline is essential to catching some much-needed zzzz’s on the go, then the Uppababy Minu V2 are two of the only travel prams to have a reclining option that is almost flat, providing the utmost comfort and perfect napping environment, with an ergonomic, supportive seat for awake times. In terms of the smoothest ride, the Joolz Aer+ comes with four-wheel suspension and lockable swivel wheels, reducing the impact of any bumps or uneven terrain, avoiding any unintentional disturbances. The Bugaboo Butterfly Stroller has the tallest seat back so is more accommodating for older or taller children.
6. Cleaning
We are sure you are aware by now, this ‘having a baby’ thing involves a little bit of mess at the best of times. Needless to say, you are going to be on the lookout for machine washable/easy to wipe down gear and your travel pram is no exception! Whether your baby has a little accident, spillage, or you are simply worried about the nasty airport germs, having a pram insert that you can put in the wash is a game changer. The Babyzen Yoyo Fabric cleverly removes completely from the frame and can be thrown into an immersive machine wash at 30 degrees, coming out like new every time! Similarly, the Bugaboo Butterfly’s seat, inlay, under seat basket and even carry strap are machine washable at 30 degrees, with the base fabric being a hand wash only.
What is the best travel stroller?
Armed with our checklist for how to choose the best travel pram, go forth and conquer your adventures confidently, knowing you have the best side kick on wheels, supporting your little side kick in the stroller! It is important to consider size, age, portability, comfort, ease, cleanable capability, canopy cover and safety when choosing a travel pram. Remember sometimes the greatest things come in the smallest of packages!
7. Sufficient sun protection
No matter where you are when out and about with your baby, you want to make sure they are protected from the sun. All travel prams have extended sun canopies that provide the ultimate UPF50+ protection from Australia’s harsh sun, but it filters out sunlight, providing extra darkness for those naps on the go. The Joolz Aer+ is also a winner in this department, with its super extended sun canopy (also UPF50+) providing more coverage for your baby on the sunniest and rainiest days.
8. Safety is key
Whilst being nimble and portable is of course a priority, the one thing that should never be compromised is safety. Opt for a travel pram that takes pram safety as seriously as you do, which will in turn provide peace of mind. All the models we stock adhere to the highest regulations and have a 5-point harness, keeping your little one securely locked in, whilst having pedalled foot brakes on the bottom frame of the model – highlighted in a bold colour for safety.
Tossing up which travel pram is right for you? Use our comparison chart.