Before our first holiday with a baby, I spent weeks obsessing over one question: What’s the best travel car seat and stroller combination for flying?
The End of Easy Travel (RIP Spontaneous Ryanair Trips)
Remember when you could rock up to the airport with nothing but a cabin bag and your passport? When security took approximately 47 seconds and the biggest decision was whether to get a Pret meal deal?
Yeah. Those days are gone.
Travelling with a baby is a full-on military operation – but, I promise you now, with the right gear, you can make it SO much easier.
The biggest game-changer is a car seat that clips directly onto a lightweight travel stroller.
After travelling to 12 countries in Roman’s first 12 months, I can 100% recommend this set up that makes airports as smooth as they can possibly be with a baby. Honestly, I’ll recommend this combo till the cows come home.
This was a god send at airports, and if we ever got a taxi for dinner on holiday it just made so much sense. You avoid lugging a car seat separately which is worth its weight in gold if you ask me.
Best Travel Stroller and Car Seat Combo for Flying UK
Why I didn’t stick with the Doona
We tried the Doona first – it’s popular for a reason, but I personally found it too firm for Roman as a newborn. To spend all holiday in that was a big no for me at 3 months old. Comfort and safety was my priority for him, so I kept searching.
The Real Problem with Hiring Car Seats Abroad
On our very first trip with Roman, we had a pretty stressful experience with a car hire company providing a rubbish baby car seat – exactly the opposite of what you need in the middle of August in sweltering Mallorca with a brand new baby. We were handed the very last car seat they had, and to be honest, it was not safe enough for a newborn — you know the cheap kind with one fixed position that leaves baby slumped in an unsafe posture? Yep, one of those.
Since then, I’ve learnt just how many other parents have had similar issues — some were given seats in questionable condition, while others didn’t get one at all because “they’re subject to availability.” And here’s the thing: you can’t be sure that a rental seat hasn’t been in an accident before. My advice? For peace of mind, bring your own. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already juggling a baby, luggage, and travel plans.
The Winning Combination: Joolz Aer + Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 baby travel system…
When I tested the Joolz Aer, I just knew it was the one. I am not even remotely noticed by Joolz (though, hi!) so this is just little old me raving from the rooftops about a product I genuinely love.
Why the Joolz Aer is the Best Travel Stroller UK
It’s SUPER lightweight — easy to lift into overhead lockers.
One-handed fold — essential for solo parents when you’re holding your baby in the airport.
Lies completely flat — perfect for newborns.
Overhead compartment friendly — no trekking to the carousel for your stroller carrying baby for miles.
Adapters available — to clip on the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 car seat so you’re taxi-ready in minutes.
This combination meant I could breeze through airports without ever carrying the car seat.
Since having this stroller in our lives, I never even touch my proper pram anymore — which by the way takes up the entire boot of the car and is honestly such a heavy beast. I could easily have saved the £1,500 it set us back, because this little stroller has completely taken over and made day-to-day life so much easier.
Why I Love the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Car Seat
This infant car seat has been worth every penny. It’s lightweight enough to carry through airports but substantial enough that I trust it completely. The 360-degree rotation and slide makes getting baby in and out so much easier, especially in tight spaces like taxi back seats abroad.
Importantly, it’s i-Size certified and fits babies from birth to 15 months, so you get proper longevity from your investment.
Travel Tips for Flying with Baby UK
Always use a car seat travel bag — Protects your investment and keeps it clean during baggage handling.
Check airline policies beforehand — Some budget airlines charge for checked car seats, though most don’t.
Practice the fold at home — Master that one-handed Joolz fold before you’re stressed at the gate.
Bring car seat adapters in hand luggage — You’ll need these immediately after collecting baggage.
Consider a portable changing bag — The Joolz Aer doesn’t have a huge basket, so pack smart.
My airport routine with a baby under 1
1. Arrive at the airport:
Clip the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 car seat onto the Joolz Aer stroller and head to check-in with baby.
2. Check in:
Check the car seat here (in a car seat travel bag) then head through security using the Joolz Aer stroller or baby carrier.
3. Board the plane:
Pop baby into the carrier.
Fold the Joolz Aer into the overhead locker — no waiting for gate-checked strollers.
4. Arrival:
Baby stays in the carrier as I get off the plane.
Unfold the stroller, grab the car seat from baggage claim, clip it in, and we’re ready to explore.
For me, the Joolz Aer + Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 combo is the ultimate travel hack for travelling with a newborn — light, comfortable, and unbelievably practical.
Now, when I hear parents worrying about travelling with a baby, I can honestly say: You’ve got this — you just need the right gear.
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