Gone are the days when your little one was safely ensconced in your belly, nature's perfect baby carrier! Now when you travel with your baby, you actually have to think about every component part and function that for nine months was just automatic... feeding time, nap time, play time, poop and pee time.... This means, don't forget bottles and blankets and diapers and a few toys and wipes and... oh yes, don't forget the baby! Yes, your Precious Angel is growing, as is the amount of gear required for her maintenance. A good baby stroller is a godsend to the modern new parent, who is often overwhelmed by the prospect of a typical day's new routine. Traveling with a young child is anything but typical but it can still be enjoyable, with a little forethought.
Taking a stroller is not a foregone conclusion when deciding to travel with your baby. True, it can make transporting your child and their accoutrements much easier but sometimes, the effort of managing the stroller itself can outweigh the benefits. A simple consideration of pros and cons will make the decision to take a stroller very straightforward.
Baby Strollers
How old is your baby?
Typically the age of the child is in reverse proportion to the amount of gear they need. If you are traveling with an infant, it's nice to have the stroller's undercarriage basket to stash extra diapers, sunscreen, blankets, etc. It's also nice to have a safe and clean surface for an emergency diaper change or for an on-the-go, fully reclined nap. Even for toddlers who are already toddling, remember that those little legs get tired easily. Your Little Adventurer may be eager to explore early on but may be asking for a lift sooner than you expect!
Conversely, strollers are not the only option for infants and young toddlers. You can choose to wear your infant in a sling or front carrier or as they get older, in a backpack-style carrier. These options provide a lot of flexibility for parents, leaving their hands free to manage luggage and other items. They are also wonderful for navigating terrain that is not conducive to a buggy. And, you'll get your exercise at the same time!
Is your destination stroller-friendly?
If you have planned a beach vacation, are you staying at an expansive resort with paved walking paths to take you from room to restaurant to pool? Or, are your accommodations more of the rustic sort, that will keep your stroller beached in the sand? If you are visiting an urban location, are the sidewalks wide and stroller-accessible? Will you be riding a car or having to navigate through stairs and gates and platforms of public transportation?
What activities do you have planned?
Activity level and mobility will also factor into your decision. Once you get to your destination, do you intend to stay in one place or will you be moving about with regularity? Is this an "on the go" trip or a "rest and relax" trip? Are you visiting amusement parks and zoos where you will put a stroller to good use or are you spending quality time at grandma's house?
How will you get there?
Last but not least, what mode of transportation will you be using? Strollers come in quite handy in airports, where there may be miles between the ticket counter and the gates. Since almost all airports allow you to gate check a stroller, just think of it as an extra set of wheels to help you transport Junior, your carry-on bags or your plane pillows! Just take care to fold and lock down your stroller securely when you leave them with the attendants. Most airlines will not take responsibility for damage to strollers.
Picking the Best Baby Stroller for Traveling
Strollers now come in every shape and size, designed for every type of terrain and function, including travel. Although which style and model will still depend on your destination, activities and references, generally select one that is lightweight and compact.
The classic "umbrella stroller" was specifically designed to meet the needs of families on the go: sturdy yet lightweight, easy to fold, and streamlined. Maclaren is by far the most popular manufacturer and the originator of the umbrella stroller. Its founder was an aeronautic engineer who applied his skills to his original model's perfect lightweight design. The idea has been copied by every baby product company around so that umbrella strollers can be found at discount stores for as little as . However for anything more than local excursions, we recommend investing in one that can handle more serious jostling than the ones with plastic parts.
There is nothing more frustrating than going through the extra effort of bringing along an unnecessary item, especially when you are traveling with a toddler. Keep these few baby travel tips in mind to help you make the most of your trip with a baby stroller.
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