Holiday Buggy Guide

Introduction

You've probably realized that the pushchair or travel system that you fell in-love with has suddenly become too bulky and heavy for nipping round the shops, packing into a car boot stuffed with luggage and too much of an investment to be thrown into the hold of a plane when you holiday in search of the sun. Thankfully a lightweight buggy can be purchased fairly cheaply and some models are suitable from birth. I speak with experience when I say that you will keep your 'second' model far longer than your first love!

Holiday Buggy Formats

Basically the lightweight buggy follows two formats: it's very basic and therefore extremely low cost or it is a more expensive popular model without the frills (ironically this is the luxury lightweight option without the luxury). To reduce the products weight manufacturers have to make design cuts: extra padding is often removed, baskets and trays aren't present and the wheels are less robust and technical. The rule is pretty much you get what you pay for but don't be put off when I say this as there are some excellent reviews of these basic buggies and I recommend you consider my final comment in my introduction.

Have faith when I say that the all-singing and dancing first pushchair will probably be sold-on or handed down whilst the holiday buggy remains propped under the stairs, in the boot of the car or in the garage until your child is 4.

What to look for ... think practical

Check out the size of the buggy when it's folded if carrying on planes etc.
Is the weight acceptable? will you be able to carry it in one hand and baby in the other? (Try to find one with a carry handle on the side as this makes it easier to carry when folded.)
If you plan to use the buggy for long excursions or on rustic cobbled streets you may wish to pay a little more for the baby or toddlers comfort factor.
Consider the wheel type, simple plastic wheels can give a harder ride but can still make nippy little movers. If you like super maneuverability pay a little more for more robust wheels. Lockable swivel wheels are pretty much becoming a buggy standard.
Car seat models are available but are the top end of the travel buggy range and therefore do not fit in with the criteria used to form the list of great buggies below as they are simply too expensive. Note however that if you plan to drive on holiday that the car seat is usually specific to the individual buggy and it is highly unlikely that suitable hired car seats will fit with safety.

The following pushchairs can all be found for under 80 pounds and have a maximum weight of 7.1kg. Most buggies listed are less than 50 pounds and several are under 30 pounds!

Each has a review score of 4 out of 5 as a minimum.