Preparing for Your Baby's First Trip with a Travel Stroller
, by Artorias Tse,
9 min reading time
Traveling with a baby may sound like an exhausting and, sometimes, embarrassing experience. Parents often plan and prepare for their little one's upcoming trip while overlooking many simple considerations. Counting the travel strolling into preparatory planning is one of the most common facts they miss.
A reliable baby stroller can wipe out most of the exhausting and embarrassing things that may happen. Regarding air travel, sightseeing, or navigating busy destinations, travel pushchairs can be useful. However, a crucial step is to know how to make the most of a travel stroller.
It can initially become slightly overwhelming, especially with many concerning things. This MAMAZING article includes a detailed strategy to help parents plan and prepare for the next trip with their babies in a travel pram. Additionally, the comprehensive guide will help you get ready for the journey.
Why You Need a Travel Stroller?
Some parents treat travel prams as a must-have baby-care equipment. Why does a travel stroller feel essential to those parents? Then, there are frequently traveling parents who can barely manage time to prepare. Let's find out the reason behind the travel stroller's success.
Compact and Lightweight – Travel strollers have a specific design. They tend to be lighter and smaller than traditional strollers, making them easy to carry and store.
Ease of Use – A travel stroller will likely feature simple, quick, smooth folding mechanisms and streamlined systems. Such features make it easy to transition between different modes of travel (car, airplane, and public transport).
Absolute Versatility – Many travel strollers are equipped with adjustment features or settings. They let you adjust the seating, recline positions, and sun protection. Proper use of such features can keep the little one comfortable all the time.
Durability – Despite being lightweight, travel prams have robust construction to withstand different road surfaces, from airport terminals to city streets and outdoor parks.
01. Purchasing the Right Travel Stroller
Consider Your Travel Requirements – First, figure out where you're traveling and what mode of transposition you'll use (air, car, or train). You may need an ultra-compact stroller that is easy to fold and sufficiently durable for uneven surfaces.
Check for Weight and Foldability – Go for a lightweight model with an easily collapsible mechanism to become a folded version. However, airlines have specific requirements regarding the size. So, make sure your chosen stroller meets the specs for air travel.
Always Look for Essential Features – Travel-friendly strollers can't always accommodate all the standard features due to emphasis on size and weight. Try to have features like reclining seats, a large canopy, and a safety harness with the preferred model.
You can consider the lightweight 'Chicco Liteway Stroller' as its easy-to-fold design seems great for city travel. In the meantime, the highly compact 'Baby Jogger City Tour 2' offers ample storage and a near-flat recline. Opt for budget-friendly 'Summer Infant 3Dlite Convenience' for a large canopy for sun protection. Then there are MAMAZING Strollers to provide everything you need for indoor and traveling needs.
02. Check the Airline's Stroller Policy
Know the Rules Firsthand – Go through your airline's stroller policy before heading to the airport. Some allow prams to be checked at the gate, while others may require checking at the check-in.
Meet the Size Limitations – Stay alerted to size limitations for overhead compartments or carry-ons. Different strollers have distinctive configurations, even when they're folded. Some are small enough to fit under the seat, while others aren't.
Preparing for Gate Check – Consider a protective bag against dirt or damage for gate-checkable prams. Some friendly airlines provide stroller bags. But it's always a good idea to check ahead.
03. Pack the Stroller Accessories
A stroller bag or travel case protects the frame during transport. It's quite a beneficial accessory when parents decide to check the stroller at the airport.
The importance of having a lightweight and foldable rain cover is often neglected. It can save your baby from unexpected weather conditions while keeping the stroller dry. Lots of travel strollers don't come with an adequate sunshade. You should consider a clip-on extension to provide additional coverage for the baby.
A stroller organizer with cup holders and relevant compartments may not seem essential. You can easily access your phone, wallet, or snacks while on the go. Parents can also use some stroller hooks to attach diaper bags and shopping bags for extra storage. You can keep personal items close to the handle for instant access.
04. Test the Stroller Before the Trip
Practice Folding and Unfolding – Make yourself familiar with the folding mechanism. Try to fold quickly and efficiently several times. Some strollers have one-hand folds to help during travels.
Check Comfort Features – Look into the seat and ensure the recline works properly. Know the best position at which your baby feels the most comfortable. Also, adjust the harness system for a perfect and secure fit.
Test Maneuverability – Push the stroller around to get comfortable with rough and hurried steering. Check the wheel performance on different surfaces. Stroll over paved to carpeted and even nearby uneven grounds.
Check the Storage – Keep the built-in storage basket securely attached. Go for DIY to keep essentials close on long flights/journeys. Make a list of items you must keep close and at what amount.
05. Prepare Your Baby's Essentials
Always pack enough diapers and wipes for the journey, including extras, in case of delays.
Bring easily edible snacks like crackers, fruit pouches, or granola bars. Also, consider carrying a sippy cup or bottle with water or milk.
Always have an extra set of clothes for your baby (and yourself, just in case).
Keep at least one soft blanket or towel close. It can be helpful for nap time or to cover your baby in case he/she gets chilly on the trip.
Small toys, books, or a tablet with downloaded content can keep the little one entertained.
06. Create a Travel Stroller Packing List
Parents quickly forget to pack essentials, especially those they must keep close. And it happens way more than you may think. Avoid forgetting any important accessories or items with a packing list for your stroller-related needs. Let's check out the sample checklist for travel stroller items.
Travel Stroller – Checked for foldability, policy compliance, and wheel conditions.
Diaper Bags – Reasonably large bag for quick access to essentials like diapers, wipes, and snacks.
Extra Set of Clothes – Easily changeable clothes for the baby and me during accidental spills.
Snacks & Drinks – Enough edibles (simple foods) for the entire trip, plus extras with some liquids.
Stroller Bag – A protective bag is necessary when checked at the station/airport.
Stroller Organizer – Holding and accessing small essentials like smartphones, wipes, or snacks.
Sunshade/Canopy Extension – Additional and full-proof UV protection in sunny destinations.
Toys or Entertainment – Books, small toys, or downloaded content to keep the baby engaged.
Rain Cover – Sufficiently large yet easily foldable and storable cover made from durable material.
Stroller Hooks – Keeping the diaper bags or bags for extra storage attached to the stroller handle.
Stroller Lock (Optional) – Additional security measure for gate-checking during crowded times.
07. Prepare for Airport Security
In case of flying, get ready to fold and send the stroller through the x-ray at security checkpoints. You can usually keep gate-checked pushchairs until boarding.
Arrive at the airport well before schedule, especially when your baby travels. You'll need time to check in, go through security, and manage the stroller.
Don't hesitate to ask airport staff or flight attendants for assistance. It can save you many worthless troubles while navigating terminals or boarding an airplane.
08. Know Your Destination's Terrain
Assess the Terrain – Consider the road surfaces you'll navigate at the destination (city streets, airports, parks, and hiking trails). Ensure your stroller is well-equipped to handle these conditions.
Consider the Weather – Traveling to a hot or rainy destination requires your stroller to have a good cover. Provide sufficient sunshade, rain coverage, and ventilation for the baby's comfort.
Picture 05 - Knowing Your Destination is Crucial Source: https://envato.com/friends-sharing-a-laugh-at-a-bus-stop-while-waitin-GQEWEYP
09. Always Remember Safety
Five/Three-Point Harness – Never forget to check out the harness to know whether it keeps the little one strapped securely. It's an important stroller-oriented task while you're on the move through crowds.
Locking the Wheels – Parents often need to put the stroller in a stationary position (during checks, claims, and others) for some time. You must lock the wheels so the frame can't move or roll away.
Store the Items Safely – As a parent, you shouldn't risk exposing all the valuable items (keys, phone, or wallets). Instead, store them in a bag or compartment outside the baby's reach.
10. Enjoying the Journey
Remain Flexible – First-time traveling with your baby is quite enjoyable and exciting. But it's also an unpredictable journey. Whether the baby needs a nap, diaper changes, or snacks – be flexible to confront anything.
Schedule Breaks – The very first trip can become quite tiring for parents as well as the babies. And it's likely to occur during long flights or journeys. So, schedule one or more stops to relax to check in with your baby.
Wrapping Up
Getting ready for your foremost trip with the little one in a travel stroller is obviously something else. However, it also takes some well-considered planning to make those moments truly enjoyable. Keep up with the suggestions mentioned here, collected from frequently traveling parents. Only a reliable travel stroller can make everything simple and steady when you know how to use the gear strategically.
It always starts with carefully selecting the right stroller, packing the right accessories, and keeping safety and comfort in mind. It's also important to remember that traveling with a baby is an adventure. And a well-prepared journey can make everything smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.
