Updated by Tara, July 28 2025
Planning a trip with your baby or toddler and wondering, “Should I bring the pram or just use a carrier?”
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common (and surprisingly stressful) decisions parents make when packing for a family adventure.
As a mother who has traveled internationally with kids from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond, I’ve wrestled with this decision many times.
In reality? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right answer depends on you, your kids and your destination.
In this guide, I’ll break down:
- When a pram is your best bet
- When a carrier will save your sanity
- What to consider for special situations like airports and cobblestones
- And a quick comparison table to help you decide fast.
When a Pram is Better
Despite being bulky, a travel-friendly pram or stroller can be a lifesaver in many situations.
✅ Ideal if:
- Your child can walk but still gets tired quickly
- You’ll be out and about all day in a city
- You have late-night activities planned (dinners, weddings, festivals)
- You have space for one extra item of luggage or can gate-check it easily
? Watch out for:
- Cobblestone streets (hello, “boom boom boom”)
- Destinations with lots of stairs and no elevators
- Prams that don’t fold easily or meet airline cabin standards. Nightmare.
What I Learned on the Road
In Latvia, we took our beloved Thule pram, thinking it would make life easier to get around Riga for sightseeing and enjoying catch-ups with old friends. Unfortunately, the old-town cobblestone streets meant we bounced our poor toddler through half the city. „No more boom-boom!“ she pleaded. Not exactly the peaceful sightseeing we imagined! I’d pack the carrier next time.
?? When a Carrier is Better
A good baby or toddler carrier gives you freedom and mobility—especially in uneven or crowded environments.
✅ Ideal if:
- You’re exploring nature or going on hikes
- Your child is used to being worn and you’re comfortable carrying them
- You’ll be walking on cobblestones, climbing stairs, or visiting temples
- You want both hands free
Bonus You don’t have to worry about finding elevators or getting through narrow doorways.
What I Learned on the Road
We explored Dubrovnik, Croatia for a day to soak up the stunning ocean views and walk the famed set of Game of Thrones. Baby was in the carrier, snug as a bug (because although the summer can be scorching hot, the Spring was not!). With a pram, it would have been impossible to climb the city walls to take in the sights.
✈️ Special Situations to Consider
Airports
- Carrier: Great for going hands-free, especially with babies under 1.
- Pram: Helpful for that tricky stage after their first birthday! Many airlines let you gate-check it and push your child through the terminal.
? My tip? Use both for the airport: carrier for security and boarding, pram for naps and gate waiting.
Cobblestones
If your destination has historic charm (read: cobblestones), a carrier is usually the better option. Even the best strollers can struggle over those uneven surfaces.
Toddler a Runner?
Carrier wins. Always. You’ll avoid stress, safety concerns, and that “chasing a toddler through a foreign city” nightmare (trust me – I learnt that lesson in Warsaw, Poland the hard way!)
Quick Comparison Table
| Travel Situation | Best Choice | Why |
| Exploring nature or hiking | Carrier | Lightweight, hands-free |
| City sightseeing (flat terrain) | Pram | Child can nap, store snacks/gear |
| Cobblestones or uneven streets | Carrier | Avoid the dreaded boom boom |
| Long days, early starts, late nights | Pram | Naps on the go, saves your back |
| Busy toddler who runs off | Carrier | Contained, safe, less exhausting |
| Airports | Both | Pram for naps, carrier for mobility |
3 Quick Questions to Help You Decide
- What kind of terrain are you visiting?
- Cobblestones, stairs, hiking trails? → Carrier
- Paved city streets, shopping centers? → Pram
- Cobblestones, stairs, hiking trails? → Carrier
- How does your child usually behave on long outings?
- Happy to walk or be carried? → Carrier
- Needs rest or gets overstimulated? → Pram
- Happy to walk or be carried? → Carrier
- How do you feel about carrying extra weight?
- Comfortable carrying your child for long periods? → Carrier
- Prefer pushing and storing your gear? → Pram
- Comfortable carrying your child for long periods? → Carrier
My Final Tips for Packing Smart
- Pack light, but smart. If space allows and your trip involves varied terrain, bring both—a compact stroller that folds easily and a lightweight carrier (like an Ergobaby or backpack-style for older kids).
- Test it before you go. Try a full day out at home before your big trip. Using just the pram or just the carrier for a day out will ensure that your back (and your child!) will tell you what works best.
- Trust your gut. You know your child and your needs best. Don’t worry about doing it “wrong”—you’ll figure it out and adapt on the go.
Planning a trip soon and stuck on gear decisions? DM me on Instagram or leave a comment below—I’d love to help!
My Go-To Travel Gear Picks
Over the years (and flights, train rides, and hikes), we’ve tested a range of travel-friendly prams and carriers.
Here are my most-used items as an adventurous Mama that I’d recommend to any travelling parent. —especially if you’re trying to strike that balance between mobility, comfort, and adventure-readiness.
These items strike the perfect balance between mobility, comfort and adventure-readiness. No matter what the adventure, one of these will get you and your little one on the way.
? Thule Chariot Cross
The adventure-ready pram
This is the pram we’ve used for city trips, snowy streets, and even bike rides. It’s more than a stroller—it’s a multi-sport trailer that converts for jogging, skiing, or biking.
✅ Why I love it:
- Super sturdy and smooth (even on cobblestones)
- Folds down surprisingly flat for its size
- Has storage space for snacks, water bottles, or a soft toy (or five)
⚠️ Do not fly with this! It is too heavy. It’s ideal for active family adventures and road trips.
? Hug-a-Bub Cloth Carrier
Soft and snuggly for newborns and young babies
This Aussie-made wrap is a soft and coddly choice for the early months. It holds baby close and distributes their weight evenly across your back and shoulders.
I used it nearly every day with both of my babies until they were around 6 months old. It was super comfortable and light, while remaining supportive for my baby.
It comes in a range of colours and once you’ve got the hang of how to tie it, you’ll be in love! And how’s this for support? They offer a range of videos about how to tie the wrap and can be contacted directly if you’re still struggling and need some extra support.
✅ Ideal for:
- Airports (hands-free)
- Newborns who love skin-to-skin contact
- Naps on the go
Bonus: It folds down to nothing and slips into your carry-on.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Structured Carrier
When you want something that works from babyhood into the toddler years, the Ergobaby is gold. It offers good back support and lets you carry front- or back-facing.
Built for comfort and long-term use
✅ I’ve used this:
- For long days exploring city sights
- At airports when I need hands-free but still want closeness
- When my toddler wanted to be held but I still needed to walk. I strapped her on my back and we were ready to go.
It’s structured, breathable, and easy to adjust mid-journey.
Deuter Kid Comfort Backpack Carrier
The exploring must-have
If your plans include hiking, nature walks, or travel through uneven terrain, this is your go-to. But maybe your little one just adores being carried and refuses to walk?
It’s designed for older babies and toddlers and comes with a sunshade, adjustable straps, and tons of support for the adult wearer.
✅ Why it’s worth it:
- Supportive frame makes carrying bigger kids feel easier
- Plenty of storage compartments for nappies, snacks, and water
- Doubles as a travel nap pod—we’ve had many trail-side snoozes in this!
We’ve used ours all over Australia, New Zealand, and Eastern-Europe. It’s still our go-to day-trip backpack, eventhough our youngest is very nearly 3 years old.
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