10 Reasons to Take a Travel Stroller on Vacation with Kids
Who is ready for some sun? We certainly are! So, if you’re busy planning your first trip with baby or your next vacation with kids, then you’re probably thinking about what you need to take with you and what you need to buy before then? If that’s you then this blog is exactly what you need! Because today we're giving you ten reasons why a travel stroller is an absolute must-have when you’re travelling with a baby and why the new Ergobaby Metro 3 is the very best choice.
The Key to a Relaxed Holiday with Baby: The Travel Stroller
Do you want to be prepared for anything a vacation with kids can throw at you? Then a travel stroller is really worth its weight in gold. Of course, a baby carrier is a must have and, small as it is, there’s probably plenty of room for it in your luggage. It can be more of a debate though as to whether a travel stroller is worth bringing. But the new Ergobaby Metro 3 makes that an easy choice as it’s guaranteed to make your life easier. Here are 10 reasons why:
Compact and Light
Anyone who goes on vacation as a family by car knows that a trunk can fill up in a flash. There is little or no room for a stroller. But the Metro 3 travel stroller can easily find a free spot anywhere. Because it can be folded to hand luggage size (56 x 44 x 23 cm) in a matter of seconds. Hand luggage size? Yes, exactly. This also means that you can take it on board most airlines without any problems and simply stow it in the overhead compartment. Its low weight (7.6 kg) makes it easy to lift and carry as you need and the same naturally also applies to the luggage racks on most trains too.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Flexible Traveling
Flexibility is the Metro 3's middle name, and this applies to so many aspects of travelling with a baby or child: if you are travelling with a small baby and an older sibling, you can use the Metro 3 for both with the help of the integrated newborn nest. You can switch between the two as you need because you don't need any extra parts or tools to convert it. Or if your baby has fallen asleep in their car seat and you don't want to wake them up, you can also simply attach an infant car seat to the Metro 3 with the help of an adapter - without having to remove the stroller seat.
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Save Your Arms and Back
“I want to walk”... then less than five minutes later… “My legs are tired!”. Have you heard this before? If not, then it is definitely in your future and your arms and back will thank you for bringing a stroller for hopping in and out of. And with the Metro 3, you can adjust the angle of the handlebar to suit your height or preference. This makes it particularly comfortable to push and, thanks to its ergonomic shape, takes the strain off your shoulders and wrists.
Stress-free Waiting Times and Transitions
Boredom is the ultimate enemy of a relaxing time. Even on longer walks when you get to your destination. It's really helpful if your little one can make themselves comfortable in the stroller with a coloring book, toys or a snack or two. This also applies to waiting times for attractions or restaurants. The perfect accessory for these moments: our new snack tray, which you can simply attach to the front of the stroller.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Not Having to Stop for Nap Times
If you are traveling with a small child, you might have to plan for the necessary naps. This can restrict your flexibility when traveling with a baby or toddler. But not so if you have a travel stroller with an almost flat recline function and a large footrest included. Then you can simply go about your day as you please, because this way you can keep going even when your little one wants to sleep. Simply lower the seat back, put the footrest into a horizontal position and your child can sleep ergonomically and comfortably. And not just for naps – whether you’re on a long outing or a short trip, the Metro 3 stands out among other compact strollers. Thanks to its thick padding, it’s especially comfortable for both snoozing and exploring!
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
A Safe and Familiar Place to Sleep
Speaking of sleep. When you're traveling, your little one is always in new and completely unfamiliar situations. And you know that this can be counterproductive if you want your baby to sleep. But use your Metro 3 before you go and it’ll be familiar to your baby and offer them a place to sleep where they can feel safe and secure - no matter where you are.
Equipped for Any Weather
Are you heading to warmer climes or to countries where you can easily be caught in a rain shower, even in summer? In both cases, the Metro 3 has got you covered. The large extendable sun canopy provides plenty of shade when the sun is shining brightly. On the other hand, the weather cover, which comes in the box, ensures that at least your little one stays dry if the sky suddenly darkens and opens its floodgates. And if you are travelling to a region where mosquitoes or flies are an issue, the new bug net is your new best friend. What's more, a mesh insert in the seat back ensures plenty of air circulation, whatever the weather.
Robust on (Almost) All Surfaces
Travel strollers are practical. However, many are not as stable as conventional strollers when you leave well-paved roads and footpaths. But the Metro 3 is built to handle a range of uneven surfaces thanks to its robust construction and the soft suspension (Cushion Ride) in all four wheels, which are made of rubber to avoid being slowed down by punctures. Thanks to the near-automatic, one-hand fold mechanism, you can also navigate any staircase with ease. Or for when you can't push the stroller, we recommend the combination of a carry bag for the Metro 3 and a baby carrier for your precious cargo!
No Extra Checked Baggage Necessary and Cheaper Than Renting
As a Metro 3 fits into jam-packed cars and is accepted as hand luggage by most airlines, you don't have to check it in as extra baggage and therefore risk damage in transit, or spend money hiring a travel buggy at your destination that either you or little one could hate. You save money and your nerves! And a pro tip: if your trunk really is full, the Metro 3 also fits behind one of the front seats.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Even More Comfort with Practical Accessories
So there you have it, our ten reasons to take a travel stroller on vacation with your baby. And if the Metro 3 is your travel stroller of choice then you’ve guaranteed yourself an even better and more comfortable ride. Because if all the reasons above weren’t enough then it has lots of clever accessories available to buy separately up its sleeve:
- Support/Safety bar: For those that prefer the extra security or for babies that like to sit up and hang on, you can secure your little one not only with the five-point harness, but also by a safety bar.
- Snack tray: Or you can opt for the new snack tray instead. This fits in the same place as the safety bar and is just as easy to attach or remove. This way, your baby can conveniently place their snacks or drinks in front of them and grab them whenever they want.
- Drink holder: You should also take care of yourself and drink regularly - especially when you're traveling in warm weather. That's why you can attach a cup holder to the Metro 3 to hold your water bottle or coffee or tea mug. Or you can attach it lower for baby’s drink instead, letting you choose where you need it most.
- Bug net: If you are travelling in areas with mosquitos, wasps or flies, the bug net can help keep them away from your little one. It can be attached to the Metro 3 in no time at all and ensures peace and quiet inside the stroller.
- Footmuff: For the colder days, a cozy footmuff is a great option to keep baby snug. It’s showerproof, fleecy and features a wipe clean panel for muddy boots! Or if it gets really grubby just pop it in the washing machine to give it a more thorough clean.
- Carry bag: When you’re travelling, or if you’re only using your Metro 3 occasionally then a carry bag is ideal. The folded Metro 3 can be completely stowed away in it and transported on your back. This leaves your hands free for other things.
Every Metro stroller also comes with a handy rain cover in the box! It can be attached in a few simple steps and keeps baby protected from everything from showers to downpours!
The travel stroller, your friend and helper on holiday with kids!
A trip with a baby or toddler without a travel stroller is obviously possible, but much harder than it needs to be! And that’s true whether you’re going by car, plane or train. It's simply less stressful, more relaxed and more comfortable for everyone involved with a compact stroller on hand. And our brand new Ergobaby Metro 3 gives plenty of (ergonomic) extra comfort on top. We think it deserves a place of honour on your packing list for your next trip with a baby or toddler.
And if you’re looking for that final nudge to place your order: we now offer our ErgoPromise Lifetime Guarantee on the Metro 3 stroller. This means it will accompany you and your little ones on every adventure for a lifetime. In the unlikely event of a material or manufacturing defect, we’ll ensure your Metro 3 is road-ready again – either through repair or replacement.