Traveling Abroad with a Stroller: What Parents Must Know?
Traveling with your baby can go both ways – either a nightmare or a pleasant experience. Keeping the little one in a stroller surely presents some challenges while you’re abroad. But proper planning and execution eventually offer a rewarding experience for parents. Whether it’s a vacation or a business trip with the young ones, a stroller seems like an essential item to keep with you for relaxed parenting.
It also lets you enjoy your own time during your stay abroad as your child remains safe and comfy. However, parents need to consider different factors while traveling internationally with a baby stroller. These facts directly/indirectly let you make the most of a travel stroller. And this MAMAZING guide will cover everything parents must know to enjoy a smooth international visit and stay with their babies.
Choosing a pushchair for international trips coincides with general considerations associated with travel prams. The ultimate goal is to find a model with satisfactorily balanced portability, comfort, durability, and convenience. You better keep the following factors in mind to make your decision –
- Weight and Size
They’re two of the foremost considerations for strollers intended for trips/travels. International travel can involve walking, handling luggage, and rushing to different destinations. A lightweight and compact stroller feels like a lifesaver in those busy/occupied times. Look for an easy-to-fold, simple-to-carry design with a one-hand folding mechanism, especially for plane, train, or bus journeys.
- Durability and Terrains
You’ll likely encounter many different terrains, from European cobblestone streets to rough tropical paths. It’s crucial when you’re on vacation, as tourist spots may not have stroller-friendly streets/paths. So, a stroller with good suspension and larger wheels can help ensure a smooth ride over different surfaces. Air-filled tires for the suspension can provide a smoother ride with reduced jostling.
- Folding and Storage
Choosing a stroller with easy folding and quick storage is more like a testament for international trips. Some airlines allow gate-checking of a stroller, whereas others might require you to check at the main counter. A one-handed fold mechanism appears highly beneficial while juggling the baby and luggage. You can easily collapse the somewhat bulky assembly in no time to pay attention to checking.
- Comfort Features
The little one has to spend significant time in the stroller during his/her international visits. It’s because parents often think that the baby feels more comfortable in the pram rather than in the unknown outdoors. Choose a comfortable pushchair with features like a reclining seat, padded harness, adjustable footrests, and large-sized sun canopy. You shouldn’t forget about the overall safety with all the features.
- Capacity and Longevity
Buying a travel stroller capable of handling your baby’s weight and growing body is important. Some models are designed only for newborns, whereas several designs are available for toddlers up to 50 lbs. Parents who frequently make international travels have to go through longer journeys, requiring them to find a long-lasting choice. Check out the safety limit to avoid accidents during your trip.
Navigating Different Terrains Abroad
- Urban Terrain
Traveling to international cities means strolling through urban terrains. Such pathways can range from cobblestone streets to uneven sidewalks and public transportation. Major cities in developed countries (Paris, London, or Tokyo) feature incredibly smooth sidewalks.
Even other city streets have well-paved and stroller-friendly designs. Meanwhile, historically significant European cities (Rome and Barcelona) have cobblestone streets to present navigating challenges. A pram with built-in suspension and large wheels can make it easier.
Hacks for Urban Terrains
- Keep your travel stroller light and compact to navigate crowded streets, subways, and bus stations.
- Look for strollers with all-terrain tires since they can handle different surfaces, from cobblestones to curbs and uneven roads.
- Use a pushchair with a large canopy to protect the baby from the sunlight during prolonged walks.
- Rural/Tropical Terrains
Airline Policies Regarding Strollers
Airline policies for baby strollers can vary depending on the carrier and destination. Therefore, parents must check the specific rules for the airline they’ll fly with ahead of the schedule. Nonetheless, most airlines allow parents to bring a stroller, whereas the check-in and gate-checking policies tend to differ.
- Gate Checking – Most airlines should let you gate-check a stroller without additional cost. This means that parents can use the stroller before boarding. They will return the pram to you at the gate upon your arrival at the destination. Gate-checking is the best option for parents who need to stroll in the airport.
- Checked Luggage – In contrast, some airlines require you to check in your foldable travel stroller as part of your luggage. It may not seem like a viable option, especially when the baby is really young. In such case, the authority will transport your pushchair in the cargo hold and return it at the baggage claim.
Tips for Smooth Travel with a Stroller
- Pre-Trip Planning
Planning well ahead of your journey is key for international travels with the baby. And some important things to consider would include –
- Checking Airline Regulations – Always review the airline’s stroller-related policies well before your trip. Some airlines may allow you to bring larger strollers as long as they fulfill certain size specifications. But others have specific rules for gate-checking.
- Get Familiar with Your Destination – Research the destination thoroughly for potential stroller-friendly accommodations. Public transport systems in several cities aren’t exactly stroller-accessible. However, others provide ample space on buses, trams, and trains.
- Pack Wisely – Put essentials in the stroller basket during traveling (especially by air). Consider a DIY solution for insufficient storage for diapers, snacks, and toys. While the stroller gets checked, make sure to pack essential items in your carry-on bag.
- During Your Trip
Upon arriving at your destination, start actions to adapt to your surroundings. You should emphasize the following adventures related to your visit –
- Public Transportation – The chosen stroller should fit effortlessly into public transportation, especially buses and trains. Numerous cities offer special accommodations for baby travel strollers, while others may require you to keep the assembly folded.
- Long Walks – Parents and even babies are fond of sightseeing in an international destination. Find a stroller to offer a comfy stay for the baby and a simple push for parents. Adjustable handlebars, a reclining seat, and large canopies seem to be the solution.
- Safety Considerations
No matter what you do or plan, always expect the unexpected to give you a headache. Therefore, never compromise with safety while traveling abroad –
- Secure the Stroller – Always engage the brakes when you stop to avoid accidental roll-away.
- Cautious in Crowd – International airports and tourist attractions become overcrowded occasionally. That’s why you had better focus on your surroundings to avoid accidents.
- 5-Point Harness – Never forget to strap the baby securely to the position with the built-in harness.
- Managing Accessories
- Stroller Travel Bags – These padded bags can protect your travel pushchair from potential damage on the journey. Travel bags are handy to confront the ruckus check-in of the assembly as luggage.
- Stroller Hooks – Clip-on hooks can help attach a diaper bag or other essentials to the stroller. You don’t have to go through various luggage or carry extra bags to access baby-care essentials easily.
- Compact Stroller Cover – A rain cover for the stroller can protect your little ones from the environmental elements. You can confront layovers and unexpected weather conditions at the destination